November 9, 2014 – 4th Floor: Marines, Veterans, and Thanksgiving

Julie & LCpl. Smitty
Happy Birthday, Marines!

Today’s Luncheon was a celebration of the USMC’s 239th Birthday and Veterans Day, serving a Thanksgiving Day meal!

 

The Sponsors:

Carey & Chris

Joanna & Joel

Mary T.

WA State Operation Thank You

Thank you!

Room Before
The room when we arrived, the “stuff” we brought (first trip up), and almost ready to serve.

the food
The buffet, missing are the mashed potatoes and stuffing.

The Menu:

Turkey & Ham

Gravy, Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Potato Soup & Fresh Fruit Salad

Stuffed Celery, Cranberry Sauce

Cheese & Pepperoni Tray

Pickles & Olives

Asst. Rolls

Assorted Drinks & water

Fresh Smoothies

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Pie & Cake

The Niftie Gifties:

pantry bags, quilts and pillowcases

Quilts from Olde Kent Quilters

Patriotic Pillowcases from Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore

Marine & Army Lap Quilts from Jean in Ohio

Scarves from Eleanore in New Jersey

Snack Bags

Thank You!

The Day:

We send out the call for sign-ups to our luncheon volunteers and they help when they can. Some months we have two or three, this month we had seven. Even though we staggered the arrival times, I thought we’d be knocking elbows with everyone in the room, and we were – until the line began to form.

We were busier than we have been in a while, at least for the luncheons I’ve been able to attend this year. Maybe it’s because of the two kind ladies, staff members, who asked for a menu and then went around to the rooms to invite patients and families down, I don’t know. Glad they did this, we had more than enough food for the luncheon and not a whole lot left by 12:30.

We served Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen. And their family members including a few children. They ALL appreciated the meal, the quilts, the pillowcases, and the snack bags. One of them came back toward the end with a thank you note. So sweet and thoughtful of them to do this!

The Team

Dina, Deb, Julie, Gladys & Bob, and Colette. Thank You for your help today!  Job well done!!!

Happy Birthday, Marines!

We had the pleasure of attending Choptank MCL Detachment’s Birthday Party last night.

Chopank MCL Cake Ceremony with Jim, 86, and the youngest Marine attending the party.
Choptank MCL Cake Ceremony with Jim, 86, and the youngest Marine attending the party.

One of the highlights of the yearly event is the cake ceremony, where the oldest and the youngest Marine cut the cake.

We’re very grateful for their very generous donation toward the “Holiday Cheer” event we’ll be hosting on Dec. 4th at the USO.  Thank you!

I always feel like I’m in the company of Heroes when I’m at an event with these men and women who’ve served our country from WWII thru the current wars and conflicts.

Happy Veterans Day!

We hope our Veterans have a peaceful and relaxing day. You’ve earned it!  We appreciate you so much!

It is the soldier

“It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the organizer,
who gave us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
– Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC

November always brings back memories of the Battle of Fallujah 2 – Phantom Fury, our 3/1 Marines, and all who were there.

This article is old, from 2010, and gives the history.  The comments tell the story.

Fallujah – Looking Back at the Fury

https://marinesmagazine.dodlive.mil/2010/06/29/fallujah-looking-back-at-the-fury/ (4/2/2021- link doesn’t work.)

Surfing:

November is National Caregiver Month.

  • Are you a Caregiver for a Veteran? The VA has a program you may be interested in. It’ a 6 week online workshop addressing specific needs of caregivers who care for Veterans with dementia, memory problems, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, or any other serious injury or illness. Details at:

https://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/August/Are-You-a-Caregiver-for-a-Veteran.asp (4.2.2021 – link doesn’t work)

  • One of the top websites advocating for military families, the National Military Family Association.

Their mission:

To fight for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect Uniformed Services families and reflect the Nation’s respect for their service.

They’ve been around since 1969. Check them out here:

https://www.militaryfamily.org/

And Last but not Least…

Smoothies and the Seahorse case from "Santa Gunny".
Smoothies, and the Seahorse case from “Santa Gunny”.

No, I do not know who “Santa Gunny” is but apparently he knows us… Several of our volunteers have received Seahorse cases from him (her?) to use to cart stuff to and from the luncheons and also some surface thermometers. Whoever you are, thank you! (and how do I get one of those awesome stickers???) “Elf Joey” was mentioned in passing by someone… guess I need to do some detective work…

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families. Please take a moment this Thanksgiving to remember those in dangerous places serving our country, and those who never came back.

Love & Hugs,

Jane