All posts by Jane

Memorial Day 2016

Never forget their names.

USS Arizona Memorial 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony
Memorial Moment
Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sterling R. Cale, a 90-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, takes a moment in the shrine room of the USS Arizona Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 27, 2012, during a ceremony to honor the 1,177 service members who lost their lives during the attack on the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth

Never forget the sacrifice.

Chad Warner – “If You’re Reading This”

Never forget the families.

Carter Welcomes TAPS to Pentagon
Equine Interaction
Children pet a horse belonging to the Army during an event for members of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS, at the Pentagon, May 27, 2016. TAPS supports people who have lost a family member serving in the military. DoD photo by EJ Hersom

Many Thanks to Vince, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment dad and now an Army dad, “Keeper of the List” of our sons’ Brothers, our “sons by another mother”, who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the three deployments our 3/1 sons were active duty.

Never Forgotten
May God rest their souls and comfort their families. Some gave all…thank God for our Veterans.   ~Vince

3/1 Fallen 2004-2007

Fallujah Apr 04- Jan 05

L/Cpl.Joshua S. Dickinson 12/12/04
L/Cpl. Joseph T. Welke 11/20/04
L/Cpl. Phillip West 11/19/04
Cpl. Bradley T. Arms 11/19/04
L/Cpl. Luis Figueroa 11/18/04
L/Cpl. Michael W. Hanks 11/17/04
Sgt. Christopher T. Heflin 11/16/04
L/Cpl Louis W. Qualls 11/16/04
L/Cpl Jeramy A. Ailes 11/15/04
L/Cpl. James E. Swain 11/15/04
Cpl. Dale A. Burger 11/14/04
Cpl. Andres H. Perez 11/14/04
L/Cpl Benjamin S. Bryan 11/14/04
L/Cpl Justin D. McLeese 11/13/04
Sgt. Byron W. Norwood 11/13/04
Sgt. Morgan W. Strader 11/12/04
Cpl. Theodore A Bowling 11/11/04
L/Cpl. Nicholas D. Larson 11/09/04
L/Cpl. Juan E. Segura 11/09/04
L/Cpl. Abraham Simpson 11/09/04
L/Cpl. Nathan R. Wood 11/09/04
S/Sgt. Russell L. Slay 11/09/04
Cpl. William C. James 11/09/04
Cpl. Brian Oliveira 10/25/04
Cpl. Steven A. Rintamaki 09/16/04
Cpl. Nicanor Alvarez08/21/04
Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon 08/15/04
Pfc. Geofery Perez 08/15/04
Sgt. Juan Calderon Jr. 08’02/04
Cpl.Terry Holmes 07/10/04
Sgt. Krisna Nachampassak 07/10/04
Pfc. Christopher J. Reed 07/10/04
S/Sgt. Trevor Spink 07/10/04

Haditha Sep.05- Apr.06

Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray 10/16/05
L/Cpl. Miguel Terrazas 10/29/05
Cpl. Justin Watts 01/14/06
L/Cpl Brandon Dewey 01/20/06
Cpl. Carlos Arrelanopandura 01/20/06

AO ANEHIEM TQ Apr. 07- Nov. 07

L/Cpl. Steven A. Stacy 07/05/07
L/Cpl. Shawn V. Starkovich 07/16/07
Cpl. Sean A,Stokes 07/30/07
Cpl. Travis M. Woods 09/12/07

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

Never Forgotten.

May 22, 2016 – 4th Floor: Armed Forces Day Luncheon

Reserved parking sign in front of the hospital.
OH we were so happy to see this sign in front of Walter Reed! It meant we didn’t have to find a place in the parking garage. Thank you, IWFLO, for your thoughtfulness!

What did you do for Armed Forces Day?

After a short break, we’re back at Walter Reed!

Armed Forces Day weekend, our first luncheon of the year.

Thank you to those who serve – our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen, who sacrifice everyday and keep our country safe!

Armed Forces Day poster, May 26, 2016
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.
The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense. (Credit: http://afd.defense.gov)

The Team:

Suzan and Jane.  Guy had to pass at the last minute.  Please send good thoughts and energy to him, he’s still recovering from bronchitis.

SSG from the IWFLO was a tremendous help to us setting up and then later, packing up.  You are so appreciated by us! Thank you!

It’s always an adventure with Suzan, a seasoned veteran Marine Mom whose son was with the AirWing when the Osprey was first being tested.

We first met in March 2006 at the Patriot Guard Mission for LCpl. Matthew Snyder.  Matt’s mom, Julie, came on board MM-B a few years later, does the snack bags for us and helps at luncheons when she’s able.  Small world, isn’t it…

Setting up the luncheon room.

There wasn’t time to take many pictures.  Once we got everything upstairs things were pretty busy setting up, and then the folks began coming in.  Continue reading May 22, 2016 – 4th Floor: Armed Forces Day Luncheon

#ExploreVA Facebook Chat: VA Serves Women Veterans

Passing on for Women Veterans from the VA site.  For the direct link, click here.

 

Explore  VA  Facebook Chat: VA Serves Women Veterans
  • March 22, 2–3 p.m. Eastern time

If you’re one of an estimated 2.2 million women Veterans, we want you to know that VA is continually enhancing facilities, training staff and improving access to services to meet your needs.

If you served in any branch of the U.S. military, you may have earned VA health care benefits and be eligible for other VA benefits that can help you buy a home, earn a degree, advance your career, and do more in life after the military.

Join VA, representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and others in the Veteran community for a #ExploreVA Facebook Chat to learn more about VA health care and benefits for women Veterans.

Participating is easy: Visit the VFW Facebook page on March 22 at 2 p.m. EST. The discussion will begin at 2 p.m. in the comment section of the post announcing the Facebook Chat. Register here or click the button to the right to receive an e-mail reminder the day of the event. You will need a Facebook account to view the discussion and ask questions.

During the chat, you can:

  • Learn why more than 500,000 women have enrolled in VA health care, and why many are choosing VA over private health care providers.
  • Get answers to your questions from VA and VFW experts.
  • Hear how VA continues to change to better serve women Veterans.

Event starts in 6 days

Register

Learn how VA benefits help millions of Veterans and their family members adjust to post-military life during our online events!

VA and LinkedIn partner to provide resources for service members and Veterans

Are you active duty or a Veteran looking for ways to expand your skills? Are you transitioning or planning your transition into the civilian world?

Passing on info a Marine Veteran sent me…

“Back on Veterans’ Day LinkedIn ran a promotional about this and I signed up.  There aren’t a lot of courses applicable to me but are some that would for others.”

The VA and LinkedIn are partnering to offer service members and Veterans one year of access to LinkedIn’s professional development site, Lynda.com, at no cost.

Lynda.com offers online video tutorials and training in the following areas: developer, design, web, photography, business, education, 3D + Animation, Video, and Audio + Music
http://www.lynda.com/

Additionally, LinkedIn offers service members and Veterans job-search resources and a one-year premium job seeker account on its own site at no cost. Interested? Start here to set up your account: https://veterans.linkedin.com/

You can read the VA’s blog post for more details here.

Or just jump in at the links above.

Lynda.com also offers a 10 day free trial for those who aren’t Veterans or in the military and would like to check it out before committing to it, as well as monthly plans.  Looks interesting!

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”  ~Anthony J. D’Angelo

Stay Young!

‘Til next time,

Jane

Holiday Cheer 2015 Updates

Holiday Cheer 2015 logo

Thank you to the Marine Mom-Bethesda “Elfs” who brought Holiday Cheer to Walter Reed!

We love how “Elfs” from different parts of the country show their support during such a special time of year to those we serve!  You are SO appreciated!

Thank You for entrusting Marine Moms-Bethesda as a steward of your donations and gifts in support of our mission of bringing food and comfort items to the injured, ill, and wounded warriors and their families at Walter Reed.

You help brighten their time spent during their recovery at the hospital, and you are more appreciated than you know.  Thank you for caring.

holly

The Holiday Cheer 2015 “Elfs”:  Thank You!

Their very generous donations made this year’s event possible.

Alabama: Barbara

Florida: The Zabel Family;  Cheryl & Ted

Maryland: Choptank Marine Corps League Detachment #439; US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 21-03; Dina; Jessi

Oregon: Marilyn

Washington: WA State Operation Thank You

holly

The Cards:

“Elf Barb” screened, sorted, and bundled the cards up in a cheery bow. Thank you, Barb!

Thank you, Cards Elves!

Alabama: Barbara

California: “Women in Recovery”

Colorado: Ellen-Alisa

Florida: The Zabel Family, The Frase Family, Marilyn & Crew, and Cheryl.

Maryland: Michelle; Choptank MCL Detachment; Our Lady of Victory/Baltimore grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Oregon: Marilyn

Card bundle

The hand-written, and sometimes homemade, cards were distributed during our December 6 Holiday Cheer luncheon on the 4th floor to patients either directly, or to their family members to give to their loved ones.  They were given to combat patients, and to “regular” active duty or Veterans who were surgical and cancer patients on the 4th floor. 

The handmade cards were beautiful – no they were gorgeous!  The ones from the kids were great, the blank batch sorted into packets with stamped envelopes were really appreciated, but most of all, the heartfelt notes and thoughts inside the cards were uplifting and encouraging.
Continue reading Holiday Cheer 2015 Updates

Happy Thanksgiving!

Memories of Thanksgivings past, grateful for the Blessings we’re so fortunate to have in this great country, Land of the FREE and Home of the BRAVE.

Thoughts of those who can’t be with us today because they’re serving in dangerous places around the world, and prayers of comfort for the families of those who’s chair will always be empty.

Thankful for family and friends and those who keep us safe. Wishing you a peaceful and relaxing day.

Make good memories for yourself and you children.

And as our friend Jana said, “May your turkey be moist and your ‘taters and gravy lump free!”

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you!

Happy 240th Birthday, United States Marines!

 

Happy 240th Birthday, Marines!

This evening, November 10, all over the country and beyond, Marines are celebrating their birthday. They weren’t born under a cabbage leaf, you know.  They were born in a tavern.  Tun Tavern.

And ever since, for 240 years, they’ve been Defending Freedom.

Choptank MCL Detachment's Banner

I had the pleasure of attending Choptank Marine Corps League Detachment’s Marine Corps Birthday Party at the VFW in Easton, MD tonight.  The Detachment adopted Marine Moms-Bethesda back in 2009, supporting our mission at Bethesda, then Walter Reed after the two hospitals combined.

Signing in
Guests signed in as they came through the door, were given a raffle ticket for the door prizes, had raffle tickets available to purchase for the 50/50, and there was a table to sign cards to be given to the patients at Walter Reed during our December 6th luncheon.

Continue reading Happy 240th Birthday, United States Marines!

November 8, 2015-4th Floor: Our Thanksgiving, Happy Birthday Marines, and Thank You Veterans Luncheon All Rolled Into One!

Over the years, our November luncheons have become a celebration of the Marine Corps’ Birthday and Veterans Day.

I remember a few years ago, a Marine in a wheelchair came into the luncheon room and all he wanted was a piece of cake.  He told us he hadn’t had a piece of birthday cake and was so glad we had one.

Another year, Janet had brought a huge turkey and we had all the fixin’s for a good southern Thanksgiving meal.  I was outside of the luncheon room next to the niftie-giftie table and a Marine in a wheelchair came out of the room with a heaping plate and a turkey leg laying right smack on top of everything, with a huge grin on his face.  It’s the little things…

The ward was pretty quiet this luncheon.

The Team: Dina, Deb, and Jane, with help from Julie, and Ryan from the Inpatient Warrior Family Office.

The Menu: deviled eggs, turkey & gravy, sliced ham, cornbread dressing, green beans, chicken noodle soup, fresh fruit salad, assorted rolls, assorted drinks, fresh smoothies, pumpkin pie, and of course, USMC Birthday Cake!

buffet

green beans and stuffing

3_fruit and desserts

5_niftie gifties and drinks

The Niftie-Gifties: quilts, pillowcases (from Bayside Quilters), hand-knit slippers (from Carole and the Castaways) and scarves (from Dina), DVDs (from Dina’s friend), and snack bags (made up by our “Bag Lady”, Julie).

Every luncheon has at least one moment that stays with us. Dina sent me this after the luncheon:

“I’m still thinking of that sweet lady/mom that jumped right in and helped us and then checked in on us again as we were cleaning up.  What a blessing she was!  I wish I got to talk to her some more.”

She was so helpful!  She checked back in with us while we were packing up, on her way to the Fisher House to see if we needed help.  We gave her extra snack bags to give out to people she knew there.

Many thanks to our volunteers and supporters for your help making the luncheon a success. You are SO appreciated!

Happy 240th Birthday, Marines!

Birthday cake
240 Years!

To our Veterans, thank you for serving!

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

With Respect,

Jane

This Veterans Day, Honoring those who have served. Thank you for defending FREEDOM!

October 4, 2015 – 4th floor: Hurricanes and Heroes

So… a hurricane formed down in the Bahamas the week before the luncheon.

Okay, no problem, this storm will be here and gone before the weekend gets here. Or so we thought.

Joquain decided to take his good ol’ sweet time spinning around down there traveling 3 or 4 miles an hour for what seemed like forever. It’s so easy to let oneself be dragged into the panic of a potentially deadly hurricane traveling up the Chesapeake Bay and by 2 PM Wednesday I was wondering if we should cancel.

Hurricane Joquain's projected path
Hurricane Joquain’s projected path.

By Friday the path was forecast far enough away we were comfortable enough to go through with the luncheon. Then we worried about wind restrictions and the Bay Bridge being closed. Thankfully it all worked out.

The Team:

Dina, Deb, and myself.  Thank you, Ladies! Job well done!  And thank you to the Corpsman who came in on his day off to check on us, we appreciated your help!

Deb and Dina unloading the cars. A few years back these carts would be crammed full and stacked 3 feet high and we'd make three or four trips with them, unloading the cars. Deb and Dina unloading the cars. One trip did it.  A few years back we’d make three or four trips with the carts and they would be three feet high on top and the bottom would be chock full of stuff. Continue reading October 4, 2015 – 4th floor: Hurricanes and Heroes