Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to take a moment to send out warmest holiday wishes to all the moms, especially military moms. Whether it is your son, daughter or your husband who has heard and answered the call to serve, please accept our heartfelt thank you. If you are a mom serving, we send out an extra warm Thank You. All of you give so much more than anyone will ever know, yet you do it unflinchingly and show a strength of spirit few will ever have. We are forever grateful for your grace and acceptance that you are part of something bigger than yourself. Your quiet pain and steady heart are a gift to us all, whether we realize it or not. How we wish we could take away the weight caused by the sacrifices you make on behalf of others. And how we wish there was a way to show our true gratitude for all you have done and all you continue to do.

Thank you, to the wonderfully strong women who quietly protect our nation, who watch over us and who make us so proud to call ourselves Americans...

MD

Anything is possible, part II

For the fourth year, I was fortunate to volunteer at the Face of America ride, a 110 mile bike ride from Washington, D.C. to historic Gettysburg. This year, there were close to 400 riders, which included close to 70 wounded warriors. All branches of the military were well represented, as well as civilians and other disabled athletes.

While this is not my first, and certainly not my last year, I remain humbled by the determination and stamina of our wounded warriors. Many of the warriors ride recumbent bikes, relying on just their upper body strength to power them across the many miles and ruthless hills. Since this is a ride and not a race, everyone works together to make it from one point to the other. Every rider who is able will help out those who are struggling.

I, along with Melissa, Teresa, Lynda, Meghan and Mike, had the pleasure of assisting our wounded warriors at the various rest stops. We transported their wheelchairs to each rest stop, so the riders could take a break from being on their bikes. We made sure they had anything they needed, whether it was something to drink or eat, rain ponchos, or just assistance getting to their wheelchairs. Whatever they needed, we were there. A special shout out to our navigators: Meghan, Lynda and Mike. Without your wonderful sense of direction and mad map reading skills, we were able to arrive at each location well ahead of the riders and have their wheelchairs ready. Thank you also to "my girls" Abby and Rachel. These lovely young ladies jumped right in and were able to assist us in so many ways. Whether it was helping us through a hectic registration, assisting in the care of Willie (one of the rider's service dog) or helping to distribute food at the rest stops, these gals were fantastic.

On a ride this long, you get to know the riders. Many are familiar faces from years past, many are new. It is wonderful seeing old friends and making new ones. Once you participate in this event, whether as a rider or volunteer, you cannot help but look forward to the next one. The ride grows in number each year, as does the pageantry. I cannot imagine the amount of man hours that go into planning and executing such an event, yet it runs almost seamlessly each year.

It is the final moments of the ride that pull at your heartstrings. All the riders gather together to arrive at the same time. The recumbent bikes lead the way, making their way the final few feet, while crowds cheer them on, as a majestic American flag waves them all in, perched high atop the ladder of a firetruck. Banners with notes of encouragement and gratitude have greeted our riders every step of the way, from the starting point, at every rest stop and then at the very end. Emotions run high; admiration, respect and pride are just a few felt by both the riders and spectators.

I encourage all to do what you can to be a part of this extraordinary event. If you can give of yourself for just a bit, more if you're able, you will be amazed, humbled and deeply touched by the perseverance of our wounded military servicemen and women who participate, who show us once more, anything is possible...

MD

Anything is possible, part I

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the USA Hockey Disabled Festival. There were all ages represented, but my main reason for going was to see the warriors from WRAMC (Walter Reed Army Medical Center) battle it out with warriors from BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center). This was a sled hockey competition and if you thought ice skating standing up, using both legs was rough, you should try balancing on a thin blade while seated, using only your upper body strength and hockey sticks to race you across the ice. Now try this missing one or both legs. There was a bit of everything out on the ice, but mostly, I witnessed courage and determination.

2008's Miss Virginia sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner before the start of the game. With my hand over my heart, it was impossible to keep a dry eye as I realized I was in the presence of some of the bravest young men I have had the pleasure of knowing, who's wounds may run deep, but they gladly sacrificed on our behalf.

What proceeded were 3 fast paced periods of 14 minutes each. I was rooting for the USA Warriors team, as it was made up of many of my Walter Reed warriors. However, as it turned out, there was also at least one Walter Reed alum on the San Antonio Rampage. I found myself just enjoying the game and marveling at the speed and skill of these athletes.

All in all, it was a great game; the USA Warriors fought tough, but the Rampage ended up with the victory. It wasn't just a great game; it was an inspiration, watching these wounded warriors working hard and never giving up, showing me once again, that anything is possible.

Stay tuned for part II in two weeks, when the Face of America bike ride brings together riders of all ages and athletic ability, but it will be the recovering wounded/ill warriors, past and present, that will bring tears to your eyes as they cross the finish line after a grueling 110 bike ride from Washington, D.C. to historic Gettysburg...

MD

FACE OF AMERICA BICYCLE RIDE 2010

It’s getting to be that time again. Soldiers’ Angels has partnered with World T.E.A.M. (The Exceptional Athlele Matters) Sports in this wonderful event, which has able bodied riding alongside disabled bodied riders. This is a “ride” not a race. All ride together-finish together.

The ride takes place April 24 & 25, from Washington DC to Gettysburg PA. Covering 110 miles over 2 days, the route goes through scenic Maryland and ends in historic Gettysburg PA.

Plans are progessing wonderfully. Participants are registering on a daily basis and the ride is growing! I can not begin to tell you how exciting this event is--for both the participants and volunteers!! Exciting things are planned!

Soldiers' Angels has quite a few members participating in a number of areas. Some are riding, others are volunteering, MANY are making banners of support and encouragement that will be hung at the Kick-off Dinner, the rest stops and the End of Ride Celebration.

If you would like to have an experience you won't soon forget, register to participate--whether as a rider or volunteer. Amazing things happen when people come together and work together for the good of all.

Ties that Bind

I was recently contacted by a wife of a wounded warrior Soldiers’ Angels supported in the past and it got me to thinking—which always puts fear into my teams hearts. J

The Wounded Programs provide support to the wounded/injured/ill warrior and his/her family. Yes, it is hard meeting with and talking to the warrior, but most grab hold of the statement below and push on. This statement is frequently seen on the doors to the warriors hospital rooms.

ATTENTION: To all who enter here; if you are coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love. I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push that about 20% further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere.”

This is what our warriors keep in their hearts, minds and souls. So, we provide the support, encouragement and share with them in reaching the various goals they’ve set for themselves. Once medically retired, these warriors move on with their lives and we very rarely hear from them again…..as it should be.

It is the support provided to the families of our warriors—the wives, moms, husbands, dads—that prove to be long-lasting. The families put on a brave front with their warrior, not showing the heart-ache, confusion and sense of being overwhelmed that overcomes them while the warrior is fighting his/her own battle of recovery. They must remain strong in front of the warrior.

Many of the wives, moms, husbands and dads keep in touch us. I think the emotions they shared with the support person/people--the fears, the hopes, the tears, the confusion, the joy of the warrior attaining a goal—and knowing that they COULD share those emotions—creates a bond. Knowing they could voice the fears, knowing they could cry, knowing they could be angry, knowing they could be what they needed to be and letting go of the “strong face” they keep up for their loved one means so much.

Many, many times our shoulders have been used to catch the tears of a family member. They’ve cried on our shoulders, and we’ve cried with them, and we are now considered a friend. Our visits and phone calls are looked forward to by them.

Frequently, we make a special visit or phone call to the care-taker, knowing that they need the chance to talk and vent. This type of support is on-going and will continue long after the warrior is released. These are the ties that bind.

God Bless our warriors and their families.

LDR

Chester New Jersey Lion's Club Oktoberfest

Lynda and I were honored to represent Soldiers' Angels at the Chester Lion's Club Oktoberfest on Sunday. The weather was beautiful here in New Jersey on Sunday. The sun was shining all day. Record breaking crowds attended this event, lining up for the wonderful German food and music....Did I mention the German beer?

The Chester Lion's were so welcoming to us. We can not say "thank you" enough for all they did. Mike R--you rock. Thank you.

We were given a table front and center. We had displayed a VALOUR-IT Laptop and bag, a Transitional Backpack, Blankets of Hope, a photo album of some past events and some brochures. We were giving away the Soldiers' Angels wristbands for a thank you card. Write a thank you card to a service member--get a free wristband. One of the most memorable was from a former Officer of the Russian Army.


We met so many people and were able to talk to them about Soldiers' Angels and what we do to support our warriors--both deployed and here at home. I am hoping that we recruited a good number to our ranks of Angels. We listened as well--to the mom whose son just returned from Iraq and had tears in her eyes talking to us. We listened to a wife whose husband just went over in August for his third deployment--she was strong, because her 12 year old son was with her, but we knew she needed to talk. We listened.

It was a wonderful day of "angeling". Lynda and I are already planning for next year!

Follow this link for a another write-up on the event. http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20091002/ENT/90930038/1005/NEWS01/Chester-s-Oktoberfest-celebration-raises-funds-for-charity

LDR

September is the most gorgeous time of year at the Jersey Shore and Soldiers’ Angels shared that with a group of 14 wounded/injured/ill heroes from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.

The trip was from Friday to Sunday with unrestricted time for these heroes to enjoy their families without worrying about appointments and schedules. The only “scheduled time” was dinner each evening. There is no end to the appreciation from these heroes for a trip such as this. Most, if not all, of the other trips sponsored have the time scheduled to the minute. This trip gives them the unstructured time to relax, regroup and do normal, family things.

The bus arrived around noon on Friday. After check-in, some explored the beach and boardwalk; some explored the town; some simply took to their room to relax. The hotel, The White Sands Resort & Spa, makes these warriors most welcome. The Spa accommodates them with the various treatments offered and appointments, working with them at the warriors convenience.

We had some very special guests at our dinner Friday evening at the Lido Cafe. The weekend prior, I’d met some retired Marines at the Seafood Festival in town and invited them to join us. What a wonderful way to say “thank you” to them. The Marines who made the trip from NNMC had a great time talking with them, as did all our warriors. Rich Lowe, Soldiers’ Angels Board of Trustee, also coined these Marines.

Saturday was a day for kite flying, kayaking, spa treatments, and indulging in all the boardwalk goodies. A group had never had ice cream and waffles; another had never had zeppole’s. If the boardwalk was open Sunday morning, they’d have gone back for more waffles and ice cream.

Saturday’s dinner was a Clambake held at Point Pleasant Boro Fire Co #1. What a wonderful event this was. After 2 Crystal Wing Awards were presented, to Steven McGovern of Mack Boring & Parts Company and to Anthony Frascella, dinner was served. Catered by Melanie’s Clambakes, they enjoyed steamers, fresh Jersey corn, lobster or chicken. Many hadn’t had lobster before and totally enjoyed it. Before, during and after dinner, the children had a chance to sit in the fire trucks, dress in the gear and shoot off a fire hose. They had such fun!

The weather cooperated Friday and Saturday, but the rains came late Saturday evening and through Sunday morning. It didn’t stop many of these adventurous souls though. We found them coming back from a last walk on the boardwalk—soaking wet, from a “taco search” about 8 blocks from the hotel.

All said this was exactly the type of weekend they needed. They could be themselves and enjoy the time spent with family and friends. This was a special trip for 2 soldiers who will be returning down range in the next few months—so this trip meant even more than we knew to them when we invited them.

Many, many thanks to Soldiers’ Angels for this trip. They are already looking forward to next year!

Thank you to the following: The White Sands Resort & Spa, Spanos, Melanie’s Clambakes, Point Pleasant Boro Fire Company #1, Briggs Transportation, Eyre Bus Service. Of course, thank you to all the angels, in DC and Jersey, who worked hard to get this together and get them gathered onto the bus! LOL

LDR