| WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2007 – A California-based home builder has donated a 10-passenger, wheelchair-accessible minibus to the Armed Forces YMCA and the Warrior Foundation to be used to transport wounded servicemembers around San Diego.
Sandy Lehmkuhler, center, chairwoman of the Warrior Foundation, poses with servicemembers in front of a new wheelchair-accessible minibus in San Diego. Barratt American home builders donated the bus to the foundation and the Armed Services YMCA to help transport servicemembers recovering at Naval Medical Center San Diego around town. Courtesy photo '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
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“We are very pleased and proud to be supporting your efforts to help wounded and disabled military heroes,” Michael D. Pattinson, Barratt American’s president, said at a Naval Medical Center San Diego ceremony in January.
“Barratt American is a true champion of the Warrior Foundation, and this contribution is overwhelming,” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, chairwoman for the foundation. “Their donation is greatly appreciated and will be used by many Marines for many years.”
Lehmkuhler said the minibus’s first mission, transporting servicemembers to the airport, was scheduled for later that day, after the ceremony.
Two years ago, Barratt American helped bring many servicemembers home for the holidays. Nearly a year ago, it donated 35 televisions to the new amputee wing at Balboa Naval Hospital. It also has helped raise funds for a multitude of other organizations in communities where it builds homes.
The Warrior Foundation helps wounded and disabled servicemembers.
(From a Warrior Foundation news release.)
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I heard a brilliant idea that anyone can do to keep letting our military people know that they are appreciated.
They're called "BBQ Clubs". The idea is that a small group of people throws parties, perhaps a BBQ, that would have room for 2-5 military guests. Then they post a calendar of when the parties are going to be held, at any nearby military base, reserve or national guard center, with a sign-up sheet for anyone who is interested. A First Sergeant is usually ideal to mind the sign-in sheet, to insure that it is administered properly.
On the day of the party, the host drives out to the base or center and picks up however many have signed up--usually a full complement, but no more, and drives them to the party. When the party is over, he drives them back to the base.
This gives the host family and maybe a few of their friends the chance to meet, greet and thank soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen for their service to our country. Lots of pictures get taken, war stories get told, sometimes gifts are given, lots of good food eaten, though generally alcohol is NOT served.
With just 5 hosts in a club, rotating when parties are offered, a lot of military people get appreciated. Maybe 3 or 4 small parties a month from just 5 hosts.
It's easy and inexpensive, does a world of good, and even makes a good opportunity for soldiers to network with potential employers.