Soldiers’ Angels sponsored their 5th Annual Jersey Shore Trip for wounded/injured/ill service members from Walter Reed Army Medical Center this weekend. Soldiers’ Angels brings these service members and their families to the Jersey Shore so they can have quality time away from the hospital and all the appointments scheduled throughout the week. The only “scheduled” event is Saturday dinner.
Our warriors started arriving at The White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa around noon on Friday. They were pleasantly surprised when they were told to “Go—have fun. The boardwalk is a block away, the beach is right here. We will see you for dinner at 5:15 tonight”. These war hardened warriors smiled like big kids and took off to enjoy the boardwalk. Dinner Friday night was just a quick meal of subs and the night was theirs to enjoy.
Saturday was the most perfect day. The sun was shining, the temperature was wonderful! They played on the beach digging holes and burying each other; some ventured into the ocean; another guest had never seen the Atlantic Ocean; a few enjoyed the Spa services at The White Sands; most went and enjoyed boardwalk food. Of course, I had to tell them about the waffles and ice cream!
Saturday evening, it was off to Point Pleasant Beach Fire Co #2 for a Clambake. Melanie’s Clambakes, out of Tuckerton, has catered for us for the last 2 years and did not disappoint. The food and service was excellent. Our service members and their families feasted on lobster or chicken, clams, red potatoes, corn on the cob and watermelon. Then to end the night, the fire company took them for a ride in a fire truck.
Yes, Sunday was raining, but it did not “dampen” any spirits. They slept in until 9 and it was time to head back to DC. The smiles on the faces of the warriors and their families were priceless!
Yes, it was the weekend of September 11. What an honor it was to be in the company of real heroes!
A big thank you to Patti Patton Bader, Ana-Marie Smith and the Board of Trustees for making this weekend happen. To the “DC Team” and the “Jersey Angels” who worked so hard—I am proud to stand with you. Anthony deserves a special thank you for setting up and breaking down the fire company hall for us. Geordie and Construct Marketing—Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you and look forward to seeing you again. Thank you to The White Sands, Melanie’s Clambakes—you rock! To anyone that I have forgotten, please know this “old Jersey Angel” thanks you from the bottom of her heart for making this an unforgettable weekend for these heroes!
Alas--I forgot my camera :( I will post some pictures later when Lynda emails me some that she took.
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