Sunday’s crew members put together a fabulous luncheon for the patients and families on 5 East!  Turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, biscuits and honey, cornbread and jalapeño jelly, fresh fruit, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, salad, cookies and cupcakes, smoothies, sodas, and bottled water made for a great Thanksgiving meal in August!

Another group met us there to help with the luncheon and pass out t-shirts so they filled the pantry bags while Susie, Elizabeth, Lew and Stephanie were setting up the buffet.

Pantry bags, cameras, pillowcases, encouragement notes, and Logan’s lollipops along with the t-shirts were handed out when the families or patients came out of the room. Quilts from “Quilts of Valor” were distributed by Susie. The girls made sure all of the patients were given a t-shirt. Lots of smiles and “thank you’s”!

“T-shirts 4 Troops” came about when NNMC Red Cross volunteers Lauren, Shavani and Karishma decided they wanted to “bring some color” to the hospital wards at Bethesda. They raised the money to buy the shirts and supplies and tie-died the shirts themselves.

Lauren’s Mom, Dad and brother came along to help the girls hand
them out.

Once we began serving everyone stayed very busy. This was Marine Mom Stephanie’s first visit with us.  She and Elizabeth took some take out boxes down to the Marines in the Liaison office, went up to 7 East to invite the patients down for lunch, and took the leftover pantry bags over to Mercy Hall for the guys and gals there. Leftovers from the meal went into the pantry on 5 East for families and patients to help themselves to after we left.

We saw “old friends” – parents and wives who have been there with their sons the last two or three times we have been on 5 East. We made some new friends who will be there when we go back again in September.

“Thanksgiving” doesn’t have to be in November.
Every day brings the opportunity to give thanks.
I’m thankful for the unconditional support the volunteers and the “Elfs” who provide time and funds for the luncheons, for the continuing recovery of the troops we meet, and for our military who believe in our country enough to take the Oath to defend it.

Sunday’s luncheon crew included Elizabeth, Lew, Stephanie, Susie, Karishma, Lauren, Connie, Logan, Rob, and Jane.
Thank you!
Job Well Done!

Marine Moms-Bethesda is gearing up for “Holiday Cheer at Bethesda”.  We will be collecting Christmas and holiday cards from across the country, local “Elfs” will be baking cookies, and there will be stockings to hand out at our December “Holiday Cheer” luncheon.  More information coming soon!

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

Love and Hugs,