Dedication.

 

This is the word that describes my thoughts after Sunday’s luncheon.

The volunteers’ dedication – month after month helping out with the luncheons, some for many years, some just beginning, all willing to help where needed.

In 2005 and 2006 Janelle and I popped in to visit Marines and their families we had met online during our sons’ deployments.  We began doing the luncheons in an organized manner in 2007.

Gladys and Bob have been with us since 2008. Tremendous supporters of our Marines.

Steph, since 2010.  She heard about us through Marines at a Walter Reed event before Walter Reed moved over to Bethesda.

Dina, since 2012.  Married to a Marine Veteran, she believes volunteerism and giving back to the community is important, and wanted to teach their sons by example.

Deb, since 2013. Our “Army Brat”, Deb grew up mostly in Germany, living in the United States a total of two years while in grades 1 – 12.

and Colette was with us for the first time today.  She supports Veterans in another important way and wanted to do more.  We met Colette at the Serving Together Veterans Resource Fair in May.

Dedication.

Each of them pitched in enthusiastically both in the weeks before and on the day of the luncheon with planning and prep to be ready to serve the patients and families at 1100.  We were ready 20 minutes early.

Two Sergeant Majors stopped by while we were there to say hello before they visited the wounded Marines.

For those unaware, to reach this rank in the Marine Corps, the highest enlisted rank, takes a huge commitment, lots of perseverance, and tenacity.  Dedication.

The dedication shown to their Marines, visiting them on a beautiful summer Sunday when they could be home with their family instead, is a huge morale booster to the wounded Warriors.  And they don’t just visit wounded Marines on the 4th floor, they visit them wherever they are in the hospital.

The Warriors we met – DEDICATION.

Dedication to their country.

Dedication to their families.

Dedication to their recovery.

They inspire us.

Bob has to stay busy, can’t stand to sit still so we had him folding MM-B brochures for us while we were waiting for our guests to arrive.

The buffet was set up and we were all ready to go 20 minutes early.

What’s pulled pork without baked beans?

Tuna salad for those who didn’t want pulled pork.

Fresh fruit salad and California salad.

This gorgeous afghan was made by one of the Outreach members from Bayside Quilters.  I believe it went to a Soldier’s mom for her Soldier.

What a trooper!  Deb signed up in January for today’s luncheon, broke her ankle, and said nothing would keep her away!

Our “niftie-giftie” table.  The quilt we’re using as a tablecloth is this year’s raffle quilt, “May All Eagles Fly”, donated to us by Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore, Easton, MD.

Job WELL done, Ladies and Bob!  Thank you for your time, donations, and dedication to the patients and their families at Walter Reed/Bethesda.

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Please remember there is still a war going on.  Our Nation’s Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen are all across the globe.  If they are stateside they are training.  If they’re deployed and not in a war zone, they are training.

On land… at sea… in the air…

If you consider our luncheons a worthy cause,  please support us by buying a quilt raffle ticket or two.  100% of the proceeds directly support the patients and their families at Walter Reed through our luncheons.  $1.00 a ticket or 6 for $5.00, checks or money orders should be made out to  “Marine Moms Bethesda” and mailed to:

(This raffle is closed.)

Checks or money orders only, NO cash please.  Please note “quilt raffle” in the memo line.

Final postmark date is August 1, 2014.

The Lucky Winner’s name will be drawn during our August 14th Mercy Hall luncheon.

Please include your email address if you’d like acknowledgement of the tickets and your phone number so we can contact you when you win.

 

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

Love & Hugs,