Category Archives: Blog

Holiday Cheer 2015: Cards and “Elfie-ness”

Holiday Cheer 2015 logo

It’s hard to believe this will be our 9th “Holiday Cheer event”!

Once again we’ll be bringing Holiday Cheer to patients and families so far from home at Walter Reed/Bethesda over the holidays!

This year’s “Holiday Cheer will be a little different and consist of:

  1. A “Holiday Cheer” luncheon on the inpatient surgical ward at Walter Reed, serving all service branches.
  2. “Elfie Gifts” for a Marine family with children, and two single Marines.
  3. “Holiday Cheer” Cards Campaign.

We’re pretty excited, and also honored to have this opportunity to serve those who’ve served us and who are so far away from home during the holidays.

See the Elfie details by clicking “continue” or click here for the AAR.

Please note:
The final postmark deadline for “Holiday Cheer” is Monday, November 16, 2015.

Continue reading Holiday Cheer 2015: Cards and “Elfie-ness”

September 6, 2015: 4th Floor – Bits & Pieces

Sandwich fixin's - lettuce, onions and tomatoes
The Menu:

Deli Platter– Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef

Potato Salad

Green Beans

Chicken Noodle Soup

Fresh Fruit Platter

Potato Chips

Mini Cupcakes

Smoothies

Soft Drinks, Juice & Water

The Team:

Mary, Jillian, and Jane. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Marine Moms-Bethesda’s mission for the past five years, Mary and Jillian.

quilts, pillowcases, and cards
The Niftie Gifties

Continue reading September 6, 2015: 4th Floor – Bits & Pieces

July 19, 2015 – 4th Floor: We Never Know…

LCplSmitty says "Welcome!"
LCpl. Smitty welcoming our guests to the luncheon.

 

Nope, we don’t.  With the number of combat casualties down this year the luncheons have become smaller.  We’re serving more non-combat patients than we are combat patients.  When Dina asked how many to plan for I gave her smaller number than we’ve ever taken food for, based on the last few luncheons and they ended up serving almost three times that number.  Okay, so we’re always worried we’re going to run out… She tells me they had very little in the way of leftovers.

Continue reading July 19, 2015 – 4th Floor: We Never Know…

Chattanooga

EGA Courtesy PhotoUpdate 7/18/2015:

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of PO2 Smith.

Sailor dies after being wounded in Chattanooga shooting

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/18/sailor-dies-after-being-wounded-chattanooga-shooting/30339493 (broken link)

A male petty officer wounded in Thursday’s shooting rampage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has died.

The critically wounded sailor had been undergoing treatment at a local hospital after being shot at the Navy Operational Support Center where four Marines were killed. The Navy statement did not give the sailor’s name, but was identified by family as Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, a reservist serving on active duty in Chattanooga, according to the Associated Press. (more at the link)


PENTAGON — It is with deep regret and heartfelt sorrow that the Marine Corps can officially confirm that the following Marines were killed on July 16, 2015, at the combined Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee:

Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan (USMC) of Hampden, Massachusetts
Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt (USMC) of Burke, North Carolina
Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist (USMC) of Polk, Wisconsin
Lance Cpl. Squire K. Wells (USMCR) of Cobb, Georgia

“Please keep our fallen Marines in Tennessee and their families in your thoughts and prayers,” said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “Also pray for a speedy recovery of those wounded and affected by this tragedy. Our focus remains on supporting the families of our Marines.”

Semper Fidelis, Marines.

More: https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/610099/marines-identified-in-chattanooga-shooting/

July 17, 2015:

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, friends, and Brothers & Sisters of the four Marines murdered in yesterday’s shootings in Chattanooga.

When our sons and daughters join the United States Marine Corps, their families are “drafted” by default. “Welcome to the Marine Corps Family” are words we’ll never forget hearing when we met his or her recruiter the first time.  Little did we know…

And little do most people know how deeply this cuts into the hearts of this large extended Family all across our Nation.

We’re grateful for the fast response of Chattanooga’s Law Enforcement and EMTs when the call went through.

We wish the three who were wounded a complete and speedy recovery.

And we’re grateful for the men and women who so selflessly serve our country.

Be vigilant.

Semper Fidelis.

Respectfully,

Jane

 

EGA and Black Ribbon

Independence Day 2015

Hitting the big “6-0” earlier this year has had me wandering back in my mind to childhood memories…

In the early to mid-sixties Dad was stationed at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, in the great State, or as they call it, “Commonwealth”, of Massachusetts.

We’d have a BBQ and he would invite three or four of the younger Airmen, so far from home, over for food and fun.  A few of the neighbors would come over, too.  Continue reading Independence Day 2015

June 7, 2015 – 4th Floor: Can DO and Git ‘er Done!

Oh, to be young again!

Guy dropped off the supply boxes the day after the luncheon. We unloaded the tubs and bags from his truck into the living room, then he told me how things went at the hospital.

Guy is a Navy Veteran, active duty in between the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The stories he can tell… Continue reading June 7, 2015 – 4th Floor: Can DO and Git ‘er Done!

May 17, 2015 – 4th Floor: Armed Forces Day Weekend

 

buffet The Team:

Elizabeth and Mary

Thank you! Job WELL done!!!

The Menu:

Deli Platter: Turkey, Ham, and Roast Beef
Rolls & assorted breads
Condiment tray
Chicken noodle soup
Potato salad
Green beans
Fresh fruit platter
Chips
Soft drinks, juice, and water
Dessert
Fresh Smoothies

It’s still quiet on the ward. It’s also Armed Forces Day weekend, a day to honor those who are serving our country.  Continue reading May 17, 2015 – 4th Floor: Armed Forces Day Weekend

April 19, 2015 – 4th Floor: It’s Spring!

Flowering trees at Walter Reed
Spring has sprung! April 2013, Mercy Hall patio.

Way-uhl, we forgot to take pictures so here’s one from 2013 taken at a Mercy Hall luncheon.

And the sandwiches were sooo pretty. And tasty. Yep, sandwiches can be pretty. Something about nice, large, unsquished croissants with chicken or tuna salad on them to make them extra special. They were excellent. Continue reading April 19, 2015 – 4th Floor: It’s Spring!