..Holiday Appeal for Walter Reed Hospital Soldiers - JOE GALLOWAY

JOE GALLOWAY ^ | 11/26/2003 | JOE GALLOWAY

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET

A Holiday Greeting from 'WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE and YOUNG' Co-Author JOSEPH GALLOWAY:

Friends:

As we head into the holidays it is time to think of the airplanes which land every night at Andrews AB outside Washington carrying 12 to 15 wounded soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq bound for Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Many are evacuated straight out of the field with no possessions. They need some of the smaller things to make life a little easier.

A list of what is needed and where to send it is attached.

GOD Bless Them.

JOE GALLOWAY

-----------------------------------------------------

The American Red Cross at Walter Reed is looking for incidentals/comfort items for sick and wounded Armed Forces Personnel now recuperating at the hospital. When someone stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere is wounded or falls ill, they're immediately evacuated and eventually end up stateside. It takes weeks for their personnnel effects to catch up with them.

Things that the Red Cross is asking for are:

telephone cares of at least 30 minutes / rolling luggage (small), totes, carry-ons / individually wrapped snacks / magazines / notepads, pens / playing cards and games / sweat pants and shirts (all sizes) /

All items should be addressed to:

ATTN: Barbara Green / Walter Reed Army Medical Center / 6900 Georgia Ave, N.W. / Washington, DC 20307-5001 /

Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross.

For more information, call (202) 782-2080 or e-mail Barbara.Green.1@AMEDD.army.mil

NEVER FORGET

[VOA]

.."I have had Soldiers (Patients) helping the Red Cross pass out donations.
The Soldiers are very Appreciative."

JON

Unquote

NEVER FORGET

That's not going to be a problem for you, AR.

Most of us will need to make positive effort to be sure we don't let our fellow
citizens fall into a mode of "Well, It's Tommy this, and it's Tommy that...
(the old Kipling poem about the disposable soldier)...

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[M Kehoe]

Hi. I enjoyed your interview the other day.

5.56mm

[Alamo-Girl]

Hi, M Kehoe! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. It would be great to have one on file for all the regular posters so we could get to know each other better.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

.."I have had Soldiers (Patients) helping the Red Cross pass out donations. The Soldiers are very Appreciative."

Brothers helping brothers.

Thanks for the update.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

NEVER FORGET


...TIME Magazine's...


..'2003 Person of the Year' =


>>>THE AMERICAN SOLDIER<<<


http://www.Time.com/magazine/current


NEVER FORGET

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

NEVER FORGET


...TIME Magazine's...


...2003 Person of the Year =


***The AMERICAN SOLDIER***


http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1044296/posts
(Freerepublic.com Thread)


NEVER FORGET

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET


...JOE GALLOWAY is asking us to hold off sending items to the Walter Reed Red Cross until they tell him they've run dry again.

...Seems we filled up the Red Cross' Office there with items to the point that Red Cross Manager Barbara Green can't get in it, according to JOE.

...Good to hear that Commandant of Walter Reed JON JAFFIN is having Patient/Soldiers getting our sent items to other appreciative Patient/Soldiers on the mend there.

...So, again, we are now on Standby till JOE GALLOWAY lets us know that the Walter Reed Red Cross has run dry again.

WELL DONE Freepers.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.


NEVER FORGET

[TruthNtegrity]

ALOHA RONNIE, xzins, Calpernia - Ragtime Cowgirl asked me to request that you use your ping lists for me?

I visited Walter Reed on Saturday, 12/20/03 afternoon with a FR lurker friend, for about 2 hours and the guys in Orthopedics and Neuroscience, 57 and 58 respectively, are getting sweats and a wonderful BASKET of goodies, all wrapped in cellophane: candy, crackers, a pad of paper, a short pencil (and I mean short), a pocket notebook, a pocket New Testament, and a "Daily Bread" a daily guide for prayers with Scripture, from the USO, as they arrive.

The young Navy aviation guy I visited (from the base where I worked the most over 12 years of a specific system, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, had been given this basket and sweats and socks by - can you guess? THE USO!!!!!

So, feeling like I'm among my own - I LOVE Navy folks - I asked him if he'd heard or seen a list that the Red Cross have for him. He said, "Nope". With all the broken bones from the waist down - tailbone, pelvis, right ankle, both bones in lower left leg, he isn't exactly walking yet. His accident occurred on Thanksgiving. (This enforced my decision to volunteer in the RC office at WRAMC after the holidays, and my business will allow me the time.)

The good news here is that his buddy was taken to Bethesda and is still there, but will be coming over to WR for physical therapy shortly after the New Year. Why do I say "good news"? Because I have been looking for the name of a Navy guy, in order to visit Bethesda. I wrote down the name of his buddy, and will take supplies and phonecards to him very soon.

It appears that Navy, AF, Army and Marines are being sent to WRAMC. In some cases, it is to keep guys who were injured together, in the same Hospital together; in other cases, it is because WRAMC is better equipped to handle their particular injuries. I noticed that once again, Orthopedics and Neuroscience are full, with the exception of only a couple beds in each.

On Friday, Mr. Silverback had sent me a FReepmail, and asked me to visit someone from his hometown and passed a message for me to take to him. Using a friend's computer, I wrote it, enlarged it in the largest type possible, so that it filled the entire page, and took it to him. He has also told me this Sgt.'s "story".

Here it is:
"I will try to contact his folks and get a floor and/or room number. His name is Sgt. S. and he's from the 110th Military Intelligence Battalion in the 10th Mountain Division. [snip - removed item for privacy reasons.] He has a lot of shrapnel in his legs. Somebody threw a grenade into his vehicle; his buddy could have thrown it out but there was a crowd of civilians near them and he was afraid they'd get wounded. So basically, his buddy gave up three fingers on one hand to save those civilian lives, and both he and Sgt. S. took shrapnel in the legs."

"Message is below my signature, and thanks a bunch for delivering it. Oh, and before you ask...the Pretzels are our local High School football team. You're not allowed to make fun, they go deep into the playoffs every year. :-)

God Bless,
Mr. S. "

Sgt. S.,

You are a hero proved in liberating strife and we simply can't thank you enough for your sacrifice on behalf of our nation. The people of Stephenson County are praying for you, and we hope you will be healed soon. Climb to Glory, and Go Pretzels!

{Signed by Mr. Silverback and his family}
IL

When I got to his room, he was lying on top of his covers, so that the shrapnel scars were visible - there was an area of dark scarring every 2 inches on his legs. His buddy, a Marine Cpl, was sitting in a wheelchair near the side of the bed, and Sgt. S. had another visitor, a pretty young gal - didn't get her name as she was on the telephone when we arrived, and when she got off, Sgt. S. and "Bones", the nickname of the Marine Cpl. and I were already talking.

I wish I could describe the Sgt.'s face. He couldn't believe that absolute strangers, clear across the Country, would print out this message, make the trip to WRAMC and bring this to him. As he hugged the paper to his heart, I could do nothing but stand there, smiling back at his grinning face!!

His buddy was sitting in a wheelchair nearby- Cpl. T., the one who lost 3 fingers on his left hand (big bandage, his arm ended in round end, making it look more like he's lost his hand than 3 fingers) and badly scarred legs, like his buddy, Sgt. S.

We gave out cards (Christmas, special occasion, note cards which he picked out), a pad of paper, pens, and those dearly-loved prepaid-phone cards to Sgt. S. (These items have been given to me to pass out by FReepers "calawah98" and "MJY1288". I had added more pens and Christmas cards, as they are really popular!)

When I offered the same to "Bones" - the so young-looking Marine Cpl., he had the saddest expression on his face and a "down" voice, as he said "I don't have anyone to write, or anyone to call." I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and quickly got a grip. They see tears, they think it's "pity" and I will NOT cry in front of them.

As I prepared to leave, I told both Sgt. S. and the Marine Cpl. that I would be back on Christmas Day. The Cpl. looked up at me pitifully, and says, "Really? You'd come to see strangers on Christmas Day?" I told him, "Yup, I don't have family in the area and you guys have become my family. I worked on Military contracts, defense contracts for 28 years of my life, and I love our Military. Besides, I've met you, and we are no longer strangers, are we?" His eyes filled with tears. I had to look away or mine would, too!

In all, we visited a bunch of guys - one, badly injured from a grenade or mine: really damaged hearing, face injuries, arms and legs in casts, very close to Nurse's Station, so you know he's critical and among the newest. All he wanted was a phone card. I handed him two and was rewarded with an attempt at a smile.

As dinner ws being served, my friend and I talked with a Nurse at Orthopedics. I asked her if she would mind giving out the rest of the cards. No matter how many we gave away, it seemed as though there were more than we had arrived with. I felt like I was watching the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, as God multiplied what we had, as we gave it away. I still have prepaid phone cards left, I still have pens, pads of paper, and of course, the cards. I handed the Nurse the remaining packages of cards (still 3 sets) and boxes of pens. She immediately bustled off to the other side of the hallway, and went into a ward of 4, to start handing out the cards, as I had explained we hadn't made it down that hallway, and needed to leave.

I had showed the "Support our Troops" note card that Angelwood had made up and given me a dozen of them on Thanksgiving, to the Navy guy I had discovered in the Orthopedics ward, and it so clearly explains who "we" are. The young Chief Petty Officer, Aviation, had requested that I leave it with him when I left. I'm really short on these and am thinking I'll take the one I have left and have some copies made!....unless I can meet up with Angelwood somewhere and get some more. Hint, hint, hint?

Anyway, I went back to his room to give him the note - and didn't stay, as he was about to dive into what looked to be a delicious, full tray of food. He said, when I inquired how it was, "It's darn good for Hospital food!" - and I handed him the card. His smile was priceless as I reminded him I'd see him Christmas day.

Unbelievably, I still have note cards, pens and pads of paper that I've added to the collection I've been given to hand out, and will take them with me on Christmas Day, along with Hostess Pastry, and a box of chips I will have for them. I can barely wait. I found out that chips are something they never see, and can't wait to take my own donation for them! I have one soldier who requested an ice cold Mt. Dew and will be happy to oblige that request. Their desires are so simple - such easy things to bring.

I also want to give thanks for a gift from TEXOKIE. When I've used it, I'll report on it. FReepers are the most generous people in the world, and I am so fortunate that I get to be the one taking these gifts to the guys, I am the one who gets to see them and shake their hand, and thank them for their service to our Country. Our warrior heroes are always so touched that someone they don't know, would send them gifts, that they would ask someone living nearby to come in and distribute these gifts. I am truly blessed to be the bearer of your good will. Thank you all.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

GOD Bless your most Loving of Hearts, TruthNtegrity, as GOD smiles down on you broadly.

.

[TEXOKIE]

Thank you so much for the report, TNT. You make me feel like I'm there. PLease tell them over and over that there are so many of us out here clamoring at you to be our mouthpiece! You are doing a wonderful job for us. Thanks!

That is so amazing about the multiplication of the cards and pencils!

[radiohead]

All I can say is, God bless you, God bless you.

[Angelwood]

Thank you so much for getting out to Walter Reed so often to pass out good cheer and presents to our recovering soldiers. I am so happy to hear your reports and hope to get back again soon.

The DC Chapter cards were done by tgslTakoma -- they are really nice with a photo of her MOAB in front of the Capitol Building on October 25, 2003. Hopefully, she has it in a format that can be easily passed around so that more of us can print them off to leave on our visits.

I have a number of phone cards, some DC Chapter pens and calendars to pass out on my next visit. It will most probably be after Christmas, though.

Thank you again for being there. Hope to see you soon. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Thanks for the ping Angelwood.

TNT has the touch.

When I offered the same to "Bones" - the so young-looking Marine Cpl., he had the saddest expression on his face and a "down" voice, as he said "I don't have anyone to write, or anyone to call."
Marine Cpl "Bones" should write to his unit and let them know how he' doing and what kind of treatment he's getting and how he's getting on. He's also getting three hots and sleeping on sheets. I'm sure they'll be more than interested.

[TruthNtegrity]

When I go to see "Bones" and Sgt. S on Christmas Day, I will have a clipboard, paper and stamps with me. I hope to have "Bones" dictate letters for me, to send to the guys still there. Then I will see that they are mailed.

I want to let you know that someone contacted me (I am NOT allowed to reveal their name) and requested the room number and address for Bones. They said that they had lost a son and that it is hard at this time of year for them, and that writing to Bones would help two people: Bones and them!

He will be so surprised to receive a letter. When I checked out his room later, he is in a room with another grenade victim and there is a "Quiet" warning on the door - to knock gently before entering, and then upon entering, to speak in hushed tones, and to keep visits short as having to listen tires them. This impressed me - wounds we can't see but they are there.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Your efforts bring tears to my eyes.

I plan to make over after Christmas. Based on your reports, I'll come armed with phone cards, stamps and writing material.

[TruthNtegrity]

May I make a suggestion?

First, the 5th floor is pretty well saturated with paper and pens and phone cards - Mike and I have seen to that!

So, if you stop at the Nurse's station at any floor and tell them what your intentions are, they will happily give you the room numbers that they think you should visit. I've done this when I visit floors other than the 5th.

What I noticed, when I looked around at their tables is that they don't have any reading material.

When the DC Chapter visited on Thanksgiving, kristinn had spent a small fortune on magazines, and gave them to me to hand out for him. The guys loved them. I had a selection of the following to pass out: men's fitness mags, hunting mag., car and road, outdoor-type mag, People, STAR (yup, that one), and some celebrity-movie star type magazine. These are so different from what they've had available to them and they received them gladly.

When I asked some of the guys what reading material they would like, one of them wanted "Money" magazine, another wanted a carpentry mag. if I could find it, and another requested the People of the year when it comes out.

For some of them, having the TV on is almost impossible because of loud concussions to their ears, and they don't enjoy TV without sound. Also, if you can find them, I've taken in copies of the Washington Times which reports the war so favorably, as well as news on our President. Maybe the current issue of "Time" might be good - I'd have to check it out for bias first, before I risked taking it in!

If you can afford it, I discovered some guys on the 5th floor who didn't have any stamps. Truthfully, does make me wonder what happened to the 100-stamp rolls that Mike's sister-in-law dropped off at ward 57 and ward 58 and 2 other wards of her choice. The guys I spoke with on 57 hadn't seen any stamps. UH-OH!!

But these are suggestions for other than phone cards and stationery items.

Just a thought.

[Taxman]

And I just decided how to dispose of my hot rod and gun magazine collection!

Merry Christmas, All!

[TEXOKIE]

Bumping this thread!

[Joy Angela]

Christmas Bump
for all the Good Works!