Memorial Day 2010

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. Most have plans made for the "3 B's"--BBQ, beer and beach. I'll add a 4th B in there for my family--Anthony's birthday. Many do not know what Memorial Day really means........a day that commemorates United States men and women who died while serving our country in military service. We must never forget their sacrifices nor should we ever take the freedoms they died protecting for granted. Freedom is the greatest gift--we should always remember these heroes and their sacrifices.

Many different thoughts have passed through my mind while putting this piece together. Thoughts of the men and women from wars gone by and from OEF/OIF who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that future Americans can live in freedom. I remember stories my mom has told of fellows she knew from WWII who didn't make it back. So, so many. Thoughts of the men and women who have returned home with injuries and illnesses--some that can be seen and other injuries that can not be seen--and passing from those same injuries and illnesses. I am humbled by the bravery, courage and patriotism shown by these warriors and the strength of the families left behind.

As we gather with friends and family this weekend, take some time to remember those that sacrified so much for us and remember their families, too.

.....................and if you see a veteran, please say "Thank you".

God Bless All.

LDR

Wounded TLC Team

One of the truly special aspects of being a member of Soldiers' Angels Wounded Team is the opportunity we get to reach out, not only to wounded warriors, but also those who have been injured and those who are recovering from illness. Unlike many other organizations, we care for all of them, regardless of what brought them to the military hospital.

Although our weekly visits offer great comfort and assistance, our Wounded TLC Team brightens our warriors' days. This team works tirelessly, sending out cards and letters of support to those recovering. Many a time, a warrior has approached me with the biggest smile on his/her face, beginning his sentence with "I went to the mailbox today..." They don't need to finish as I know what they found: a bundle of cards from Angels all over the country, wishing them well. As the warrior recovers, it is not uncommon for our Wounded TLC member to not hear back, yet they keep sending the words of encouragement, every single week.

During my last weekly visit, Mrs. P sat to chat with me for a little bit. Her husband is currently being treated for brain cancer and to say it has been a difficult road for both of them is an understatement. She has struggled, as so many other caretakers do, to take care of her spouse and yet remain strong herself. I asked if her husband had begun receiving letters yet and she just lit up. "YES! And my husband reads every single letter, and he smiles the entire time he is reading them!" She was amazed at the amount of letters and the wonderful thoughts that were sent in each one. It never ceases to amaze my warriors and their families that total strangers take the time and care enough to send these lovely cards and letters. As the average recovery time now closes in on 2 years, the cards and letters truly do mean the world to the warriors. So many of them tell me how they keep every letter, in hopes of one day writing back to say thank you or just as a reminder of all the support they received from those for whom they sacrifice. Long after the media has lost sight of their story, or their friends and acquaintances return to their lives, our Wounded TLC Team continues to remind our warriors that we DO care, and deeply.

Dear Wounded TLC Team, keep up the great work and know you are making a difference, one word, one card, one letter at a time...

MD

WARRIOR GAMES

Working with our wounded/injured/ill warriors, we see the "can do" attitude. We've seen these warriors decide not to let their "new normal" defeat them, but grab onto the challenge and roar into their "new normal" with no looking back. Their attitudes are remarkable. Now, they show the world!!

This week, May 10-14 an exciting event is taking place for our wounded/injured/ill warriors. The Inaugural Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO. 200 wounded/injured/ill warriors from all services will be competing in cycling, archery, wheelchair basketball, swimming, sitting volleyball, shotput and more.





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Sometimes, there are no words but "WOW!"

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