Yep, things are quiet on the ward these days.  This is good.

The Menu:

Turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwich platter

Tuna salad

Macaroni salad

Rolls and condiment tray

Chicken noodle soup

Fresh fruit platter

Cherry tomatoes

Individual bags of chips

Smoothies

Assorted drinks.

The Donors:

Washington State Operation Thank You

Joanna and Joel in Florida

Corner Street Cafe

and others…

 

The Team:

Elizabeth, Mary, and Jillian

AAR:

3/22/2015 5:14 PM

HI Jane,

I thought I would report in on today’s luncheon. Mary has pictures to send to you.

As you know, we had a bit of trouble getting on base as we weren’t on the approved access list. But as you suggested, we called the duty officer in the Marine Liaison office, and he came right up to the gate to let us in. He was aware that we were coming on base.

Once we got to the 4th floor, Jillian went right up to the TBI ward to alert them. And as we expected 4th floor was pretty quiet. The ICU unit were I usually stop by was also empty.

So as you can imagine, it was a pretty quiet luncheon. Two residents of the TBI Ward did come down and were quite thrilled with the menu.

Cookie from the Cornerstreet Café donated the tuna salad again.

Our leftovers, we took up to the TBI ward.

Elizabeth
===============
Hello Jane,

I will send pictures today. Brother Dave stopped by to say hello and he recruited some hungry guys for us to feed.

Mary

Elizabeth, Mary, and Jillian, Thank You for your dedication to the troops you serve at Walter Reed.  Job well done!

Brother Dave, your commitment to those you serve on the hospital ward is exceptional.  Thank you for all you do, and have done, on the hospital ward.

(As for the base access issue – Jane’s fault, forgot to send in the final roster…)

It’s quite different these days compared to just a few years ago when the ward was so full.  Many of the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen are coming to the end of their years of rehabilitation, being medically discharged, and moving on to their next stage of life. Or they’re back on the ward from out-patient status to in-patient status for follow-up surgeries. Or in the Traumatic Brain Injury program for therapy and rehab.

The war in Iraq and Afghanistan may have been declared “over” but for some… they’ll live with the effects from the time they served for the rest of their lives. As will their families.

Have you been in the Wounded Warrior Regiment and are now medically discharged?  Are you a family member of a Wounded Warrior?  What advice would you want to pass on to others’ now walking the walk you’ve walked?

I’d like to use your replies for a special post on this site – maybe you can help someone going through what you’ve been through on your journey to your “new normal”.  You can leave your replies below or you can send them to Jane (at) Marine Moms (dash) Bethesda (dot) org.  Thanks so much!  (Why do I do the email address this way? It cuts down on spammers.)

Respectfully,