Sunday’s luncheon was really nice.  Dina and Dina were a pleasure to work with.  Yes, who would have thought there would be two        Dinas?  With help from HM2 C. from the WIFLO we were ready to serve a half hour early.  Thank you, Ladies. Job well done!

Brother Dave popped in to say hello, always nice to see him.  He’s so dedicated to the patients at Walter Reed.

Our “Elfs”, along with our volunteers, are dedicated, too.  They are what makes the luncheons so special for the people we serve.

Quilts and pillowcases from Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore in Easton, and Olde Kent Quilters in Chestertown, MD keeps giving LOVE to the patients and their families.

Audio books from Bob are really appreciated by the patients who have trouble reading.

DVDs from Dina’s friend are great – action movies and some comedies.

We still have a few sets of slippers from Carole & the Castaways and boy, are they appreciated – cozy, soft, and warm!

Temps in the patients room can be very warm or on the cold side, depending on the needs of the patient.  There were two scarves left that Dina made and the wife who chose one loved it, said the room is cold and it will keep her neck warm.

Andria, down in Florida, sent a beautiful red, white and blue patriotic afghan she had crocheted. Makes me want to dig out the crochet hook and go to town with some yarn.  The pictures don’t do it justice.

Jean made lap quilts with the service branch logos on them, perfect size for the soldier in the wheelchair.  The service branch specific quilts are the first ones to be chosen, they don’t hang around long.

Nancy and Lin met me on their way back to Connecticut a few weeks ago after spending the weekend in DC.  They had goodies for the moms, wives and female patients – body wash, lotion, and lip balm, much appreciated by the ladies.  Looking forward to seeing Nancy again at our November 6th luncheon!  And it was great to meet Lin in person for the first time!  We’ve “known” each other for many years online.  The “Military Mom Network” reaches far and wide, doesn’t it?

The snack bags were put together by Julie, our “Bag Lady” and long-time volunteer.  She also sent along booklets from Camp Snoops that schoolchildren had put together and we added those to the bags.

Here they are on the niftie-giftie table:

Lots of “thank yous” and smiles from the patients, families, and staff. Not too many places to eat on Sunday afternoons at the hospital. They were grateful. And surprised!  And “WOWED!”

The luncheon was provided in part by Washington Operation Thank You, a Marine Dad in Florida, and other “Elfs”.

Menu:
Cheese platter, wings, wraps, chicken noodle soup, pasta salad, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, chips, cookies, assorted drinks and smoothies.

The quilt on the wall is always there.  It says it all, doesn’t it?

We are honored to have the opportunity to “Serve Those Who Serve”.

Our next luncheon is November 6.  The theme will be the USMC’s Birthday and Veterans Day.

We’re very grateful for your support, as are those we serve.  Thank you for caring.  We’re in what… year 15 now of being at war?  We may be serving fewer combat patients but needs are still there, and will be for many years to come.

And troops are still serving in dangerous places.

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

With Respect,