Tuesday, June 30, 2009

An American Hero

As the media is showing 24/7 coverage of Michael Jackson's death, with a bit of Farah Fawcett and Billy Mays thrown in, a real American hero got 4 minutes on Good Morning America this morning and will also be on World News with Charles Gibson this evening.

I met SGT Dan Powers and his wife soon after his arrival here in the States and a few times thereafter and was amazed at his condition when he arrived and his recovery. As things happen when soldiers move on to facilites closer to their home bases, we lost touch. (What's funny is that I've had SGT Powers and his wife on my mind for the past few weeks) We lost touch until this morning and this wonderful piece that aired on Good Morning America: SGT Dan Powers Take 4 minutes and check out this man and his story. I am awe-struck, amazed and honored that I've had the privledge of meeting this hero.

SGT Powers and the men and women of our Armed Forces are America's true heroes. So many of our wounded fight to stay in the service and we don't hear much, if anything, of their fight. We hear next to nothing of those who are able to stay in and deploy--like SGT Powers.

God Bless SGT Powers! Keep safe, sir.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Secretary of State Thanks the Volunteers at WRAMC


I was invited to represent Soldiers' Angels at a reception honoring WRAMC volunteers. Dr. Robert Gates was our host and he gave a wonderful speech, in front of Walter Reed hospital staff, patients and volunteers, thanking us for the work we do.




It is impressive, seeing how many organizations have stepped up to care for our warriors and their families. None of us do this for the gratitude or for any recognition: what we do, we do from our heart, because we too, have a sense of service to our country and those who sacrifice so much on our behalf.


Being one of the first in line for the photos (right place, right time I guess) I was able to meet Dr. Gates, thank him for his service and coin him. Though he met many amazing volunteers yesterday, I hope he gets a chance to take a look at the lovely Soldiers' Angels coin and the message: "May We Never Forget". I believe I caught him by surprise and I did not receive a coin back, but as I wrote earlier, we don't do this for the recognition, we do it because its the right thing to do. Afterwards, we were treated to tasty hot dogs, lemonade and ice cream sandwiches which really hit the spot on a very warm day.
MD