Barb and Don getting the desserts ready.

Happy New Year!!!  New Year, New Beginnings!  We are pleased to be returning to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (formerly Bethesda National Naval Medical Center) for the sixth year in a row – eight if we count the two years previous when it was Janelle and I and sometimes Brenda, popping in to visit people we knew there in 2005 and 2006. Serving our Nation’s Wounded Warriors and their families is something that Marine Moms-Bethesda’s volunteers consider an honor and a privilege, a way to give back to them for their tremendous sacrifices to our country.

Did you know our luncheons don’t “just happen”?  Lots of thought and planning and past experience goes into them.  We planned our 2012 schedule this past summer at Deb’s during our summer get together, aka the “Tiki Party”, in July.  This year’s schedule is pretty much the same as 2011′s schedule.  We tried keeping the same weekends and week days that worked for us in 2011 along with some tentative dates added for Richmond.  By the end of the evening at Deb and Scott’s, some of the volunteers were already planning February 2012′s luncheon!

After the WR/Bethesda schedule was tentatively set by our luncheon coordinators it was passed on to the Marine Corps Liaison Office for approval.  The transition of Walter Reed to Bethesda Naval took place in September and it was sent again to double confirm the dates.  Came back a second time approved.  *whew!*  I wouldn’t have wanted to be the one telling these Marine and Navy Moms and Dads we couldn’t go back… especially knowing the cafeteria is closed on the weekends to the family members.

Pantry bags, encouragement note packets, baby quilts from Bayside Quilters and hand-knitted slippers from "the Castaways".

Marine Moms-Bethesda currently has over 50 names on our “hands on” volunteer list with many “Elfs” in the background supporting our endeavors.  Some of the hands on volunteers specifically work with the WR/Bethesda luncheons, others work the Richmond luncheons, and others float between the two hospitals.

Because our dates are limited and because we are limited to the number of people allowed to go in with our group, the wait for new volunteers to attend a luncheon with us can be months.  Our experienced volunteers have first choice of dates and we fill in with new volunteers as openings are available to help keep the continuity and quality of the luncheons going.

Choptank Marine Corps Leaguers (LOVE those guys and gals!) have spots automatically reserved for them in August and December for the WR/Bethesda luncheons, and we always have an opening on the roster for our volunteers with deployed family members.

Niftie-gifties - we have them in the hallway; the conference room is not large enough for the food and the "thank you" goodies.

MM-B’s hands on volunteers come from a large geographic area surrounding the DC area, from the Baltimore area to the Stafford, VA area to southern Maryland to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  In the Richmond area we have volunteers who help specifically with the Richmond luncheons although  they are welcome to drive that long drive up to Bethesda and help there, too! .

There are three sets of supply boxes housed with our luncheon coordinators which include everything from electrical cords and power strips to platters, bowls, serving utensils, and everything in between that is needed to host a luncheon.  Add in the donated warming tray, Vitamix, popcorn popper, four new chafing dishes and three portable tables that we share and it is quite an undertaking to keep everything coordinated. It’s not unusual to have four or five cars loaded to the max when arriving at the hospitals.

Almost ready to serve!

We feel it is important that each luncheon be of the same quality so the basics in the supply boxes are the same. However the fun comes in when luncheon coordinators plan the menu with the current month’s luncheon crew.  Stephanie’s sausage and gravy was quite a hit last March and I have heard through the grapevine that it will be on the menu again this year.  Lew’s BBQ chicken has a reputation that extends to Florida because of an “Elf” who asked for the recipe after seeing the picture of it.  Robin and Grace’s cuisine is exquisite, looking like something out of Bon Appetite and smelling like something out of one of DC’s finest restaurants!

Gladys and Katie ready to greet our guests!

Our volunteers are humble and are not doing this looking for recognition.  I have asked several times for a short bio to go on the “About Us” page so that our readers and supporters could know more about who we are and what motivates us to continue with the luncheons.

Writing mine was like sticking needles in my arm to draw a few gallons of blood… I preferred not to… Gladys and Bob have their cookbook supporting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and never turn down an opportunity to promote it.  We are happy to help them with this.  Their bio does not do their story justice and hearing first hand of their life before they came to the United States will raise the hair on your arms.

So, I will just say that I am honored to work with our volunteers, couldn’t ask for a nicer group of people to be involved with.  Caring hearts with the needs of the patients and their families first and foremost.  Privacy is important to them and we respect that in our organization.

Bob keeping John straight with the smoothies.

 Even when someone says, “But as one Marine to another Marine, can I take a picture of a wounded Warrior with their permission?” 

“No.”

Privacy is soooo precious and important to our Warriors and their families and our volunteers respect this.  They live in a fish bowl during their recovery in the hospital.  Doctors, nurses, Corpsmen, Medics, aides, therapists, counselors, special visitors, VIPs, friends, visitors they do not know, in and out of their room all day long.

I follow a few families on their personal blogs and Facebook pages and read a few weeks ago on one where someone left their Warrior’s room for a short time while he was sleeping, and they came back to find someone trying to take pictures of him.  While he was sleeping.  The photographer was shewed away.  Can you imagine?  How would you feel if you were in their shoes?

Is this gorgeous? One of the quilts given out from Mike's friends in Pennsylvania.

 The heartfelt donations from small groups and individuals across the country that are given to us to distribute at the luncheons are one of the things that I love about Marine Moms-Bethesda.

An example would be the gorgeous quilts made by a church group in Pennsylvania that Mike brought to give out at Sunday’s luncheon.  This one went to a Tennessee Marine.  Another one went to an Alaskan Marine.

Quite a few of the baby quilts and little cloth bags made by Bayside Quilters were given out.

Hand-knitted slippers made by Carole and her Castaways group in Illinois found new homes. Warm and cozy for these cold Maryland days!

Jack had given me some books on tape from the driver of the local VA bus to hand out.  Such a great idea for the patients with eye injuries!

these small gestures of appreciation and thanks are deeply and gratefully appreciated by the patients and their families.

The emailed notes of support and encouragement we collect for the luncheons are also appreciated!  The notes are handed out personally to patients or family members. Also, as we hear of patients at or headed to the hospital, we put their name on a packet to ensure they receive one, sometimes with special messages inside for that particular patient from people who know them.

Notices about the notes are sent out through our very modest newsletter.  Nothing fancy about the newsletter, comes through like a regular email, no pictures, just MM-B updates, a request for notes, a few links that hopefully are helpful or encouraging to military families, Veterans, and patients, maybe a YouTube link or two.  We also post on our Facebook wall when we are collecting notes.

Short notice seems to work best for the note requests, so the newsletters usually go out about a week to five days before a luncheons.  Terri, a PROUD 1/6 Marine Aunt down in Florida, recently came on board with Marine Moms-Bethesda.  She formats the notes into a word document for us, then we print them out up here in Maryland.

If you would like to subscribe to Marine Moms-Bethesda’s newsletter, you can do so from any of our main webpages on the site.  See the box up in the right hand corner under the header?  Just be sure to check your spam folder after you subscribe for the confirmation email and follow the directions in it to confirm your subscription.  To find us on Facebook (another modest endeavor – nothing fancy) just do a search for “Marine Moms-Bethesda”, then “like” our page. Again, privacy is important and email addresses from the senders are not shred or sold and we won’t spam you with “stuff”.

By the way, did I say Terri is a PROUD Marine Aunt?

 From the time we arrived Sunday morning we were busy.  Not only are the luncheons sometimes emotionally exhausting, they can be physically exhausting. Some of us arrived early to get the carts (Carts? There was one cart – with a flat tire, and we were grateful to have it!) ready for the trips up and down the elevator and to set the room up, then others began arriving with the rest of the stuff.  We began serving right at 11:00.  With very few breaks during the luncheon, we began packing up around 1:30, leaving the leftovers in the pantry, and were outside ready to leave at 2:30.

Our protocol is to serve patients and families first.  We invite the TBI patients down and the ICU families up in addition to the families and patients on the 4th floor.  After they have been served – this takes about an hour and a half, word can be slow to get around that we are there, staff are welcome to join us.  If a family member joins the line when the staff is being served, we bring them to the front.  The staff is always very accommodating with this and understands why we would do this.  They are so helpful to the family members, sometimes coming in to fix plates for the patients under their care.

Sunday’s theme was football.  Wings, bourbon chicken, fried wings, chili, potato chowder, pickles and olives, pizza cups, fresh fruit salad, garden salad, peas, pasta salad, pizza cups, assorted wraps and sandwiches, chips, popcorn, pies, cake, pudding, smoothies and assorted drinks were on the menu.  One little girl about 7 or 8 years old came back 4 or 5 times for popcorn.  She didn’t want a big bag of it, just kept coming back.  A Soldier came by several different times.  There is always plenty of food so we encourage the patients and families to make up extra boxes of food for later.  He was wearing  special glasses and took one of the books on tape.  Such a sweetheart and gives the best hugs!  Barb had the pleasure of carrying a 6 month old sweet little baby back to the hospital room for the mommy.   Pam ran soup duty between the luncheon room and the pantry a little ways down the hallway for Mary.  All of the pantry bags made up by our Bag Lady, Julie, were given out by Mike.  Bob taught John how to make smoothies. .

We had four special guests with us, Mike and Pam, and John and Ginny.  They were a tremendous help and brought a new kind of synergy to the event.  Combat Veterans and their wives “know” – I think even more so than we parents know… Thank you so much for being there.  Mike, thank you for the use of your great pictures!

This month’s luncheon was sponsored in part by Mike’s friends in Pennsylvania, and WA State Operation Thank you, Joanna and Joel in Florida, and from Maryland, Mary T. and Guy E.  Thank you!

Our next luncheons will be at Mercy Hall on Thursday, February 16 and Sunday, February 26  on 4 East.

What are our plans for 2012?  MORE of the same with hopefully luncheons specifically on the TBI ward, more dates at Richmond, and some Parent to Parent Mentoring when needed.  The war is Iraq is “over” and the war in Afghanistan will begin drawing down soon.  The need for support of our HEROES and their families will continue long after everyone comes home… Marine Moms-Bethesda hopes to be there supporting them.

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families – may ALL come home safely!

Love and hugs,

January 2012′s Luncheon Crew

Never hesitate when you need help!

For Marines and their families:

 USMC Wounded Warrior Regiment

 You do NOT have to be a Marine to call – just someone who CARES for and is CONCERNED about a Marine.

24 hours a day – 7 days a week 365 days a year contact: Anonymous.

 Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Regiment Call Center

 1-877-4USMCWW or 1-877-487-6299    A Marine WILL speak to a Marine if they call.

 DStress Line

 This is a pilot program available in certain States. Complete anonymity.

 1-877-476-7734

 “From the everyday stressors of life to the stressors related to combat, stress can affect even the strongest Marine.  The DSTRESS Line was developed by the Corps to provide professional, anonymous counseling for Marines, their families and loved ones when it’s needed most. Call today to speak with one of your own.”

 (NOTICE: THE DSTRESS LINE IS A PILOT PROJECT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO CURRENT AND VETERAN MARINES, ATTACHED SAILORS, AND FAMILIES WHO ARE LOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: OR, WA, CA, NV, AZ, ID, MT, NM, UT, CO, IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WY, HI, AK AND WEST TEXAS (FORT BLISS, EL PASO AREA).

For Navy, Coast Guard, and their families:

 Navy Safe Harbor – Wounded, Ill, and Injured Support

 For Army and their families:

 Warrior Transition Command

 Army Wounded Warrior Program

 For Air Force and their families

 Air Force Wounded Warrior

 For Special Ops and their families:

 U.S Special Operations Command Care Coalition

For All:

Defense Centers of Excellence

February 6, 2012 Update – the luncheon turned out great!  Everything got done, got a little bit fo sleep before I left in the AM, and the food was awesome but the families and our HEROES were awesomer!!! You can read about it here.

10:41 AM as I write this.  Why am I sitting here updating the website when I should be in town picking up the things for Sunday’s luncheon?  I really would like to get more than a few hours sleep tonight and if I don’t get on the ball, it doesn’t look like that will happen…

The menu tomorrow is a football theme – wings, chili, pizza cups, taco salad, fresh fruit salad, and much more.  I am so grateful for the volunteers we have.  They really are the BEST!  Thank you for all of your help, Gladys and Bob, Katie, Stephanie, Mary, Barb and Don, and Shirley  We will have some new volunteers with us tomorrow, too.  Hoping everything goes smoothly…

NIfty-gifites!!! In addition to the pantry bags with snacks and stuff that Julie, our “Bag Lady”, fixed up, we have cozy slippers from Carole and the Castaways, quilts from Bayside Quilters here in Easton and from Mike’s friends in Pennsylvania; Jack gave  us some books on tape for the patients with eye injuries.  If there is room in the car I’ll add some of the quilts from Easther’s Ladies.  Terri in Florida  sent the file with the notes to print out last night, and Stars from Linda’s group down in Florida will go in them. The notes sent, as always, are so thoughtful.

A Special Thanks to our “Elfs”!  We couldn’t do what we do without you!  Thank you!!!

Daughter of a Viet Nam-era Airman and founder of Marine Moms-Bethesda, Jane quickly learned that she was “drafted” into the Marine Corps Family when her son received his Eagle, Globe and Anchor on April 18, 2003 at Parris Island.

During the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she experienced first hand many of the roller coaster rides that came with being a wartime Warrior’s mother, from watching her teenager ride off to boot camp with his Recruiter knowing the country would soon be going to war with Iraq, supporting her Marine through two deployments with the Third Battalion, First Marine Division, to proudly welcoming home a young man, mature beyond his years, his wife, and their two dogs on terminal leave Christmas Day 2006.  He EAS’d and she reenlisted.

Jane feels it is an honor to have the unique opportunity of serving “the Best of the Best” of our country and their families during their recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Richmond VA Medical Center.  Her hope is that the support and encouragement Marine Moms-Bethesda provides to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen we meet during our visits lets them know that their unselfish service and tremendous sacrifice is deeply appreciated by many patriotic Americans across the country.

Hearing a young Marine’s wife excitedly shout, “REAL FOOD!” when she walked into the luncheon room, being thanked by the mother of an EOD Sailor with tears of gratitude in her eyes who is a Navy Viet Nam Veteran herself, passing on a jar of Tennessee honey to a Tennessee OIF Marine from a Tennessee VN Marine Veteran who didn’t know each other, and getting to know Marines at Mercy Hall as she watched the progression of their recovery over the course of a year or more, are just a few of the memories from the past eight years that she will always remember.

When Marine Moms-Bethesda expanded to Richmond VA Medical Center in the summer of 2011, the renewal of her acquaintance with a Marine mom from Louisiana who had enjoyed some of the Bethesda luncheons with her son, a double above-the-knee amputee, brought home to Jane the enormity of the challenges of the recovery process, making her even more determined to do her best to ensure that the luncheons continue for however long they are needed. 

Jane is deeply grateful for the support of her family, for the dedication of Marine Moms-Bethesda’s compassionate, caring volunteers – both hands-on and in the background, and for the kind and generous support of “Elfs” across the country who enable the organization to continue bringing “touches of home” to Walter Reed and Richmond.

Freedom isn’t free and the freedoms we enjoy today are a privilege that have been protected and fought for on our behalf by our military.  Thank you for serving.

Jane may be contacted at Office@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org

December 10, 2011 – Richmond VA Medical Center

Katie and I met early in the morning just before sunrise to head down to the Richmond VA Medical Center aka Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia for Marine Moms-Bethesda’s final event of the year.  What a beautiful morning it was!

Weeks of preparation were about to wind up with a festive luncheon full of Southern Hospitality.

Janet and Lew willingly took on the task of planning the menu and pulling “Holiday Cheer at Richmond” together with help from Sarah, Diane, and many, many others who were excited to have the opportunity to show support to the Warriors and their families at the hospital.

Step by step, each aspect of the event – the holiday meal, stockings, cookies, and cards fell into place to make this a heart-warming event to all who attended.

First on Elf Janet’s the list were the stockings.  Elf Jess shared her secret list of stocking stuffers with Janet, including the “Snowman Soup” recipe.  (Shhhhh… don’t tell… hot chocolate, candy canes and Hershey Kisses!)

Then came the next Elfish update from Janet:

“A friend of mine had her sewing classes make pillowcases for the combat Wounded in Richmond for this upcoming luncheon. 

A few weeks ago, I went into the class and spoke to the young girls about having a son that was wounded and that I work with MM-B to serve luncheons.  They were very excited about helping to provide a bit home.”

With the Snowman Soup, the Patriotic Pillowcases, and the other goodies, the stockings made for the troops by Bayside Quilters were stuffed to overflowing!

Next came the cards.  Many of the people who sent “Holiday Cheer”cards made sure there were enough for both WR/Bethesda AND Richmond, and Janet had friends in her area who also wrote cards. Donna and her daughter, Savannah, made the candy cane decorations with “The Story of the Candy Cane” attached to them.

There were at least 25 cards in each bundle and were very festive looking tied up with the cheerful ribbon!

Cookies!!!  Diane helped Janet find the Cookie Elves and Sarah helped with the packing.

Menu: pork roast and gravy, roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, cheesy mixed veggies, fresh fruit salad, garden salad, sweet potato casserole, fresh apple cake, assorted cookies, a cheese cake,and chocolate-covered rice krispy treats.

Katie taught Mary Allen how to make smoothies.  It was Katie’s first trip to Richmond, and Mary Allen’s first time with us at a luncheon.

While we were setting up, a visitor arrived!

GI Santa!  He brought his remote controlled tank, USMC banner, and his Marine chair. Under the tank behind thecamo was his stereo system.  Christmas music to dine by!  It set a really nice mood in the room we were in.  The tank made for fun entertainment after lunch.  GI Santa built it himself – the top rotates, and it shoots paint balls.  No paint balls the day of the luncheon, though.

The notes attached to the blankets said, “This blanket was made by Camp Foster Young Marines, Okinawa, Japan.  It has been blessed and sent to you.  This is our way to say “Thank You!”

.

Mary Lou from Missouri sent a box of cards and stockings for the Gunny to hand out at the hospital.  He brought some of them up for the luncheon and we placed the cards around the room on the tables as centerpieces.

“Elf Stuff” left to right: the blankets from the Young Marines in Okinawa, cards from Mary Lou and Friends, the black bags were full of things from the Wounded Warrior Regiment Marines, cards from the MM-B Elves, stockings from Mary Lou’s Friends, more cards, and cookies and stockings from MM-B Elves.

The patients, their family members, and the Veterans who came by really enjoyed the “Holiday Cheer”.

We first met one of the Marines and his mom when they were at Bethesda this past spring.  The road to recovery is so long, and he is making progress.

One of the Soldiers with us was so appreciative of the lunch and the outpouring of support shown to all of them that he insisted on having his picture taken with us.  Then he gathered us around him and gave a little speech thanking us for the outpouring of support.. It really, really touched him.

So on behalf of this brave HERO and all who enjoyed the day,

“Thank You, Elves!!!”

The time, the planning and logistics, the care, and the love that went into this event leaves me overwhelmed with gratitude knowing that our troops are not forgotten and that so many people were willing to show they care.

With Special Thanks To:

The Marine Liaison Staff at Richmond VAMC, Bayside Quilters, Virginia Military Families Gathering for Support, Janet and Lew,  Katie K., Mary Allen, Carol, Sarah, Diane, Katie S. Coleen, Tina, Mary Lou and Friends, SSgt. Hudson and the Camp Foster Young Marines, Mary Lou and Friends, Donna and Savannah, SRCH Homeschoolers, Reach Homeschoolers, the Morgans and friends,  Lynne & her Baking Circle, N.Va Women’s Republician Club, Shirley, Brenda Bass & Grace Co-op Sewing Class, Haley and Bethany, Mike S., Paula, and all who sent support, encouragement and “Holiday Cheer” to the PTRP, Spinal Cord, and Polytrauma patients and their families at the hospital.

Today’s Luncheon Crew:

Katie, Mary Allen, Janet and Lew, with Santa GI  Thank You! Job Well Done!

As the holidays approach, please keep the families of the Fallen, our Precious Gold Star Families, in your thoughts and prayers.

Passing on from one of my favorite “Old Corps Devil Dogs”, Jim:

“Remembering the Brave”

and a Christmas message from General and Mrs. Amos:

The Commandant and First Lady of the Marine Corps’ 2011 Christmas Message

Love, Hugs, and a relaxing, peaceful Holiday Season to you and yours,

December 1, 2011

“Holiday Cheer” is one of our favorite events of the year!  When I think about all of the “Elfs” involved, from our hands-on volunteers to the “Elfs” across the country who help make the event possible, it is overwhelming.  Your support and help is deeply appreciated by those who are the recipients of your kindness.

The past several years we have held “Holiday Cheer” at Mercy Hall.  However since the transition of Walter Reed to Bethesda, the dynamics at Mercy Hall have changed and we thought we could better serve our mission by hosting the luncheon on 4 East, received permission to do so, and forward we went.

To our delight and complete surprise an Elf said, “Janie, pick up two chaffing dishes, a popcorn popper, two 6′ portable tables and a 4′ table.  A check’s on the way to you to cover the cost.”  When I  opened the boxes to wash the chaffing dishes, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven.  A very welcome addition to MM-B’s “Stash of Stuff” for the luncheons!!!  Thank you SO much!!!

Plans for Holiday Cheer” began this fall when the holiday card collection began.  Information was sent out in our newsletter and on our Facebook page.

Many of our card “Elfs” send year after year.   We begin receiving inquiries about them in August.  Cards started coming in from all over the country in October.  Lots and lots of cards from Florida this year thanks to Jan and her Florida “Elfs” getting the word out.  Always love the cards from “Our Lady of Victory School” in Baltimore – pre-K through 4th grade and their Girl Scout Troop.  This is the third year they have participated in the card collection.  One group of cards came to us from Iowa; and there must have been 25 signatures from different people in each card, each signature with a different message to the troops.  Screening the cards is one of my favorite things to do during “Holiday Cheer”.  The messages are very heartwarming.  Each card bundle had approximately 22 to 25 cards in them.

Once again under the direction of Chris, the Bayside Quilters’ Outreach Ladies made the stockings.   Elf Jess did the shopping and with the help of Elf Bobbi and the crew from “Covers and Soles”, wrapped and filled them.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Cookie “Elfs” packed 60 containers of cookies.

One dozen cookies in each container.  BEAU COUP bunches this year.  “Elfs” who said they would send 4 or 5 dozen cookies sent 10 and 12 dozen.  (Guess what was dessert the day of the luncheon?)

Okie dokie, cards, stockings, cookies taken care of!

Menu:  Pickles and olives, cheese platter, roast beef, ham, turkey breast, gravy, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, garden salad, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, cake, cookies and brownies, and popcorn, assorted drinks and of course, smoothies.

When I heard Cyd and Kym from the T.A.M.P.A. group down in Florida were going to be in the area for the Semper Max Wounded Warrior Support Conference I invited them to join us for the luncheon.  Cyd and I have “known” each other online for several years and I remember when the T.A.M.P.A. group started back in 2004.

Jim and Wayne from the Choptank Marine Corps League #439 were our “Santa Marines”.   They have helped out at Mercy Hall luncheons in the past but this was their first visit to the 4th floor.  We love having them join us.

The “OOH RAH Girls”, Kym and Kelly made smoothies, popcorn and helped serve.  This was Kelly’s first time with us.  Her extra pair of helping hands were gratefully appreciated!  Kym’s beautiful smile was as welcome as the Florida sunshine and 82 degree temps she had to leave to come North.

Elf Jess delivered the stockings to 4 East and offered very welcomed free seated massages to the families on 4 East.  Cyd helped hand out the stockings and cards, kept the desserts flowing and the drink cart filled and helped wherever she saw a need.

One of the really neat things that happened was when we gave a mom we met several luncheons ago the gift certificates that The Spa Room donated to us back in August.  She and her son will use them.

Cathy, also a new volunteer, Connie, and Katie all seemed to escape the camera.  They were not in one spot long enough to to stand still for a picture!  Katie and Connie went down to ICU and invited families up for lunch.  While there, Connie had the opportunity to say hello to a family whose Soldier had attended the Naval Academy while her daughter was there.

We had the pleasure of meeting Shannon Maxwell from Semper Max.  She put a little bug in my ear about the TBI guys… this got my mind whirling… looking forward to some special events just for them next year…

After the patients and families were served, we opened the luncheon up to the Caregivers of our Warriors.  Many of them are also far from home and we were grateful for the opportunity to bring some “Holiday Cheer” to them as well.

Thinking about all of the people, donations, hours given from the heart by everyone involved to make this day so special was very humbling to me.  Thank you to our volunteers, our “Elfs” both local and across the country, to the caregivers, and most especially, Thank You to those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country and to their families who stand beside them.

Special Thanks To:

The Marine Corps Liaison Staff at Walter Reed NMMC, Choptank Marine Corps League # 439, Bayside Quilters – YOU LADIES ROCK!!, Bobbi and “Covers and Soles”, Torina, Jan Z., Mary T., Joanna and Joel, Barbara, and Edgar, and Don, Barb, and Deb McF., Maureen, Mr. Benson,  Chris and Carey, Julie, Janelle, Jen, and Nicholas, and to our “Card Elfs” – Jan Z. and the Florida Roses, Barbara H. in AL, Torina and Friends in Utah, Sally in Texas, Terri in FL, Momma Dee in FL, Marilyn in Oregon, Ellen-Alisa  in CO, Gramma Pam in CA, Mary Ann, DAV 101 and DAVA 101 in FL, the Brod and O’Bannon Families in IN, PMM of Cpl. Bradley in CO, Patricia and Friends in VA, Carrie in Wisconsin, Bayside Quilters in MD, and the Iowa Farm Crew, and I have a feeling I have unintentionally left someone out….

Today’s Luncheon Crew: Katie, Connie, Jess, Cathy, Kelly, Jack, Wayne, Cyd and Kym – Job WELL Done!  Thank you!

Merry Christmas!

Love and Hugs,

Maybe they’re at boot camp or away training, perhaps deployed, on a float, can’t afford the plane ticket home, or maybe they are at a military medical facility recovering from war injuries.  Or perhaps there is an empty chair at their table, never to be filled again…

Marine Moms-Bethesda has been blessed by the friendships we have made at the hospitals over the past year – the staff at Walter Reed and Richmond VA Medical Center who are so helpful, the family members we have met from all across the country, and the patients who have inspired us with their unending determination to continue their new mission of recovery.

Our Supporters have blessed us with generous contributions enabling us to continue bringing “touches of home” to those we serve.  I wish they could have been there and heard the Marine’s Dad tell us the sausage gravy and biscuits hit the spot as he rubbed his belly, or the Marine Mom say, “Thank you for the potato salad and cornbread.  We have that every Sunday at home in Louisiana,” or met the Marine in the wheelchair, the first time out of his room since he arrived on 4 East, taking something of everything on the table then looking at the food he was taking back to his room and saying, “My plate is AWESOME!”

Our “Elfs”, people across the country who send little touches of home, along with love, to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen on 4 East… quilts, blankets, afghans, hand knit slippers, movies, books, cotton candy, and notes of encouragement have brightened the day of so many people.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have caring and dedicated Volunteers, always going that extra mile to ensure all the bases are covered for the luncheons.  They have been a blessing to all they have served.

Our Nation’s freedoms have come at a great price, from Thanksgiving at Plymouth Plantation to today, when we have the freedom to fill our tables with the bounty of our endeavors surrounded by loved ones and memories of those not here any longer, never, ever forgotten…

Keeping the Defenders of Our Freedoms – our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, National Guard and Reserves, and our precious Veterans, and their families who mean so much to them, in our thoughts and prayers on this day of gratitude.  Without them, who knows where we would be.  They have kept the wolf from the Doorway of Freedom.

With Gratitude to All,

All Rolled into One!

These are the oaths our military take when they place their “John Hancock” on the dotted line.

The Oath of Enlistment for the Armed Forces (except the Army and Air National Guard)

“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

The Oath of Enlistment for Air and Army National Guard

“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.”

They have pledged on their word of honor that they will defend our Constitution, and the oath does not end when their DoD contract is up.  As a Marine said to me when I congratulated him on receiving his DD-214 and not having to worry any longer about being called back, he said, “Yeah, thanks, as long as there’s not a WW III.”

On October 21, 2011, President Obama stated that all of the troops will be home from Iraq by the end of the year.

I hope they don’t have to go back.

We owe our military a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.  Thank you for serving.

As always, it was an honor to serve our combat wounded, their families, and the staff that cares for them on 4 East at WR/Bethesda just a few days after the 236th Birthday of the Marine Corps and Veterans Day!  We truly do appreciate the opportunity to be at the hospital at least once a month to show a very small gesture of “thanks” to these brave men and women who have volunteered during a time of war to defend all that is good that the United States of America stands for.

We enjoy meeting their families, too.  Love the different accents – Long Island, Louisiana, mid-west, all over… Their accents may be different but they are there for the same reason – to support their Loved One on the road to recovery.  So we support them the best we can in the few short hours we are there.

Our volunteers ROCK and really put out a spread for these Heroes!  All of Janet’s beforehand planning paid off.  She was so organized she even had a table layout planned for us to look at ahead f time.

  An All American Meal for Our American Heroes!

Appetizers, turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, southern green beans, cranberry sauce, garden salad, fruit salad, two kinds of pasta salad, assorted rolls and bread, pumpkin pie and apple pie with cool whip, date nut bread with cream cheese, apple cider, smoothies, and assorted drinks.

Not only do our volunteers rock, but our “Efls” do, too! We have been able to provide some awesome meals to the troops and their families this year because of their selfless generosity.  The quilts from Bayside, the slippers from Carole, and the pantry bags Julie packed for us with flags added by Janet were all appreciated.

Thank You, MM-B “Elfs”!!!

We have close to 30 “hands on” volunteers and many only see each other at the luncheons a few times a year so it’s nice to catch up with each other.  Working together serving the meals is always a pleasure, and meeting each other for the first time after sharing the planning emails is a treat

Memories from the day:

Sitting through four green lights to make a left hand turn into the base and arriving at the gate to find out that YES! The Guards do their job and do it WELL!  And they are polite when they do it, too.  I don’t know that I would have their patience.  Well, I guess I would have to if I were them.  Thank you, MCLO for coming to escort us on base.

Organized chaos as our tables were set up, food was set out, and then voila!  A table full of a Thanksgiving meal.

Shirley’s gravy story…

The Marine who took the turkey leg made the whole effort worth it for us.  Comfort food… it’s the little things….

The Notes we collect  to give to the patients and their families – yes, they do make a difference.  Our loyal note writers, month after month, let them know people care.

From short notes

Thank you for serving our Country and for the many sacrifices you have endured in doing so… for America and the World’s Freedom.  We are proud of YOU!       –PCBA Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America

to longer notes:

It’s Veterans Day in the USA and we proudly salute the veterans, both men and women, who have served our nation with honor, dignity, pride and sacrifice. We remember–and we thank you. Our flag will forever fly and we are forever free, thanks to you and to the blessings and grace of God on our nation. May God bless each veteran whose life we celebrate today. Stand tall, veterans everywhere – we salute you!

- Marilyn, Proud Mother of  CPL  T.,  US Army, 10th Mountain  Division  ”To The Top”

The notes ARE appreciated!!!!

Jaime, from “Touch of Relief” is always looked forward to and always goes that extra mile.  One of the Marines heard about him giving free massages and asked him to come down to his room to do one for him.

Even though Jaime had told me he had to leave by a certain time, he stayed longer so he could do this.

Thank you, Jaime!

Our “Holiday Cheer” events are almost here.  December 1st on 4 East and December 10th at Richmond.

The Christmas card deadline has passed, boxes are arriving daily and cards are being screened.

Cookie bakers are being lined up, stocking lists are being reviewed and we’re planning the menus.  Busy times.

We’re in this for the long haul…

I hear that some of our volunteers are already planning meals for 2012 dates.

Thank you, Janet, Lew, Katie, Bob, Gladys, Shirley, Diane, Mary, Stephanie, Sean, and Jillian!  Job Well Done!

Janet, thank you for sharing your pictures for the website.

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES!

Love and Hugs,

Up at OH-dark-thirty to reach Janet’s by 8:00 AM.  Took 95 this time instead of 301 and made it in two hours… hmmm…. Coming home, took 301 and it took me 5 hours… Beltway driving coming in from northern Virginia is not my favorite thing to do… may have to just gather my courage and do that next time, though. If i can drive “The 5″ in Cali…

Janet, Mike, Lew, Carol, Mary Jane and I met in the parking lot at the VA Center and then our contact took us over to the entrance to the multipurpose room.

Wow… we were impressed!  Tables were set up with linen tablecloths for the luncheon.  That was really nice.  Janet had a fall theme planned and the buffet tables looked really pretty with her decorations and all of the food.

BBQ – A beautiful autumn day with Lew and Mike manning the grills.   Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and veggie burgers.  Okay so the veggie burgers won’t be coming back with us again! MEAT!!! They want MEAT!

Some people can make really good baked beans and Carol is one of those people.

Cole slaw, potato salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, Texas caviar, chips and dips, hummus – okay so the hummus won’t be coming back again either.  We are finding that each location – 4 East, Mercy Hall and Richmond – have their favorite types of menus.

Mary Jane stayed busy making root beer floats.

The zucchini bead was great as were all of the other desserts. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the food!

Two of the Marines from the Liaison office were there, one with his family.  We had met them when we were there before. It was nice putting a face with the wonderful VA person I had spoken to on the phone several times.  Paulette has been there 22 years and told me about how the VA has adapted and changed since the war began.  The Fisher House manager came over and we met him, too.

We served some Marines, families of Marines – one we had met at Bethesda, some Viet Nam Veterans and families and a few others who were there visiting family members in the hospital.  It is so very different at Richmond compared to Walter Reed NMMC…   I would have loved to have spent some time with the VN Sailor.  He had some stories to tell.  I dont think he had any family.  One of the Marines we met who was with his wife… he spirits were SO UP and although I know he has a very long road of recovery ahead of him, I have full faith that he will adapt and overcome any obstacles to the very best of his abilities.

I cannot speak for our other volunteers, but speaking for myself I will say serving our war wounded has changed my life.  I am so grateful for our supporters and for our volunteers, and most of all I am grateful beyond words for the men and women, and their families, who serve our country.  I cannot imagine what it was like during Viet Nam when communications were slow, when the medical care had not advanced to the point it has today…  when this country’s media was overtaken by the anti-war groups…

NEVER AGAIN! NEVER FORGOTTEN!

Did you know Marine Moms-Bethesda collects emailed notes of support?  Yep, we do.  We format them into a word document, print them out, and hand deliver them during our visits to the hospital wards.  If you would like to send a short thank you, thinking of you, upbeat, encouraging note to the guys and gals who paid a HUGE sacrifice defending our freedoms, you can email them to Notes4Bethesda @ MarineMoms-Bethesda.org (remove the spaces in the addy.)

Paulette, Gunny, and SSgt. and Mrs. G, thank you for your help!

Thank you, Lew, Janet, Mike, Carol, and Mary Jane!  Job Well Done! 

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.

Love and Hugs,

Yikes!  Four events this month!  4 East, Richmond, Mercy Hall and volunteering at the Marine Corps Marathon!

Gladys, Bob, Shirley, Katie and I started the month off with a “tween” on 4 East.  Now the “tweens” are *supposed* to be laid back luncheons, just light food with fewer volunteers, and none of the “extras” we bring in like the Notes, pantry bags, quilts, and whatever we can come up with at a regular luncheon.  The “tweens” have turned into a little more than “light fare”, though, because of our wonderful volunteers’ enthusiasm!

We were busy from the time we arrived and didn’t have time for pictures once we got moving.

The menu was assorted sandwiches, ham, assorted rolls and cornbread, pasta salad, potato salad, fruit salad, garden salad, olives and pickles, and assorted desserts. Of course we had the smoothies and drinks.  Shirley brought some food “Famous Dave’s” sent along with her — barbecued chicken and ribs, cole slaw, baked beans, and cotton candy – a humongous bag full of pink cotton candy!. This turned out to be a real hit and we were amazed it all disappeared… Who would have thought???

Families and patients were served first.  We caught up with some families and patients who have been there awhile and we made new friends, too. We’ve always had Army patients and families at Bethesda, but we are still getting used to seeing Army staff there… and still getting used to saying “Walter Reed” instead of Bethesda…

This wing of the hospital is brand new and has that “fresh, clean, new paint, shiny floors” look and feel to it.  Nice room we set up in and we’re happy to have the space to spread out without being in the hallway, too.  Wheelchairs and walkers can come in and go around the table with plenty of room.  Drinks and the nifty gifties can stay inside instead of being set outside the doorway.

Things began kind of slow at first with a few here and there coming in.  Staff would come along and we asked them to come back in a little while, let’s give the families first opportunity to eat.  Katie went down to ICU to invite families there to come up.  They don’t even have a fridge to store food in on the floor they are on, or at least the famlies who came in were under that impression.  Maybe there is one, would hope so.  We loaded them up with a lot of food to take back and share.

We had packed up and Shirley and I were in the conference room waiting for the cart to come back upstairs when someone stuck his head inside the door and asked if this was where the party was.  He was wearing an Army dress uniform and a Medal of Honor.  Sergeant First Class Petry was there with a friend, going room to room speaking with every single patient on 4 East.  He took the time out of a very busy afternoon to spend a few minutes chatting with us. It was such an honor to have met him.  I had watched on TV when he was presented with his Medal of Honor.  Never dreamed I would ever meet him in person.

“Every human impulse would tell someone to turn away. Every soldier is trained to seek cover. That’s what Sergeant Leroy Petry could have done. Instead, this wounded Ranger, this 28-year-old man with his whole life ahead of him, this husband and father of four, did something extraordinary. He lunged forward, toward the live grenade. He picked it up…and threw it back – just as it exploded.”

President Barack Obama (read more…)

Heroes are all around us.  We’ve met many, many of them at Bethesda.  Angels are all around us, too.  Thank you, Gladys, Bob, Shirley, and Katie for your help with the luncheon, and to Sgt. 1st Class Petry for your selfless service.  You each made the day special.

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.

Love and Hugs,

Bob and I came to America in October of 1970 and have been proud citizens since July 4th, 1976.  Our connection to the military comes from our enormous gratitude to all our brave men and women who so selflessly dedicate their lives to serving our country and protecting our freedom, often at an unimaginable price. 

We chose to belong to the Marine Moms-Bethesda organization because of our deep desire to give back to our country.  The founder and the volunteers of this organization mirror our devotion to our troops and we cherish every moment that we are able to serve our injured Veterans together. 

Each luncheon brings special memories to us.  One that we often remember is the day that we had the chance to see for the second time an injured Marine we had met several months earlier at another event, and see the great improvement he had made both physically and mentally.  It warmed our hearts! 

Besides participating in the luncheons with the MM-B group, Bob and I do not miss any opportunity to raise funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, whether participating in fundraisers, or selling a cookbook that was created by Marine families and supporters and has already raised $38,000.  We send regular monthly packages to our troops to let these wonderful men and women who are serving in harms’ way know that we love them and support them no matter what, and for as long as they need us. 

Bob and Gladys may be contacted at Office@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org