Greetings!
Busy, busy time of year for everyone! I hope this finds all well with you as winter sets in.
A quick (?!) update from Marine Moms-Bethesda:
Many of you know Gladys and Bob Rodriquez, two of our volunteers who also support the troops in many other ways. Bob was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and is recuperating in the hospital from a successful surgery early last week. Gladys has asked for prayers for Bob. Her last update to me said the cancer is localized, and Bob is now up and walking, but in some pain. They have appreciated all of the emails, notes, phone calls and support. She sends “love to all”.
The Marine Moms-Bethesda Crew wishes Bob a speedy and complete recovery. We miss you both and are looking forward to having you back with us!
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Our Holiday Cheer pages are up.
WR/Bethesda “Holiday Cheer 2011” Luncheon:
Our Holiday Cheer luncheon on 4 East was our first venture there on a week day. What is written about it does not even begin to describe the depth of the emotions and the day’s events. Thank you, Katie, Jess, Connie, Cathy, Kelly, Jack and Jim, and all of our “behind the scenes” Elves for your help with the luncheon.
Cyd and Kym from T.A.M.P.A. were in the area and joined us, too. It was great meeting someone in person that I have “known” online for several years. If you are looking for a Marine Family support group and are anywhere near the Tampa area, check them out. Great group, they welcome all service branches, and very active supporting the troops in Florida!
Richmond VAMC “Holiday Cheer 2011” Luncheon:
While we were at Richmond, a recovering Soldier was very, very appreciative of the outpouring of support at our luncheon. He gathered us around him as a group to say “Thank you” to us, and much of that “Thank You” belongs to you, our Elves. Thank you, Janet, Lew, Katie, Mary Allen, and the “behind the scenes” Elves who helped with the Richmond luncheon.
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Our next luncheon date at Walter Reed is January 29th on 4 East. Our volunteers are lined up and we’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates.
It is the same weekend as last year, and last year, if I remember correctly, it snowed the weekend before and the weekend after.
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Notes4Bethesda: As always, we are collecting emailed notes of encouragement and support for the wounded, injured, and ill combat patients. They may be sent to Notes4Bethesda@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org
no later than the evening of Thursday, January 26th, 2012. One short note is all we ask for to let them know they are being thought of. The notes are formatted into a word document, printed, packaged, and given to the combat patients and their families during our luncheon. The notes do make a difference.
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Three of our volunteers attended the Wounded Warrior Support Network conference earlier this month sponsored by SemperMax.
Attendees learned about state-of-the-art research being done on Traumatic Brain Injuries, and help and support provided by many different organizations for our wounded Warriors and Veterans. I hope to have my notes from the conference online before the first of the year.
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To our “Elfs”, this is an article about a 3/5 Marine you have helped to support in early 2011 while he was at Bethesda, both with your donations toward the luncheons and with the notes of encouragement and support you sent during his time there. We thank Tomy for his service and wish him well as he continues on his road to recovery.
“One year after injuries, Marine Tomy Parker still in the fight.”
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You can also read a little perspective about the support the families and troops receive at the hospital here:
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This may be of interest to some of you. The Marines' call center IS anonymous and is for everyone -- Marine Veterans who are not "wounded", active duty Marines, and their family members who care about them, not just "wounded-wounded". (If I am wrong about that, let me know. I have friends who have used this number and it helped.) Sergeant Merlin German
Wounded Warrior Call Center
24 hours a day - 7 days a week*
365 days a year contact:
1-877-4USMCWW or 1-877-487-6299*
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This is new.
National Guard – 24/7 Hotline
Our toll free peer support line *1-855-838-8255 (1-855-VET-TALK)* is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for National Guard and Reserve service members.
Vets 4 Warriors
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Surfing~
The war in Iraq has formally ended and the combat troops are now in Kuwait.
Job Well Done! WELCOME HOME!
San Diego Marines look back on Iraq War. (Some 3/1 Marines were interviewed for this article.) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/16/san-diego-veterans-look-back-on-iraq-war/?page=1#article
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Still in Afghanistan…
Kandahar the Song
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The Commandant and First Lady of the Marine Corps’ Christmas Message http://www.dvidshub.net/video/132900/commandant-and-mrs-amos-2011-christmas-message#.TukdLlaa9Bk
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Holidays can be a difficult time for many.
Handling the Holidays from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for
Survivors)
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Passing on from one of my favorite “Old Corps Devil Dogs”, Jim.
“Remembering the Brave” (Moms…you know the routine… tissues) http://www.jensensutta.com/slideshows/RTB/
During this very special time of year, please remember our Fallen and our Gold Star Families.
Ending our year spreading cheer at the hospitals as the holiday season began was very humbling to me. So many of you have made a difference in the lives of our wounded and their families with the cards and notes you have sent throughout the year, the donations you have made in support of our mission, the food you have helped serve, and the time you have given. The thoughtfulness of our supporters and our outstanding volunteers throughout the past five years is what has made Marine Moms-Bethesda so very special. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
To our Armed Forces, thank you for your service.
One wish I have for the New Year is that America continues to support our military and Veterans. Although the war in Iraq is "over", the need for support will continue.
Wishing all of you a relaxing and peaceful holiday season.
Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.
Love and Hugs,
Jane
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