Blog – Page 12 – Wounded Warriors at Nebo

Two Types of Proficiency

April 8, 2017November 2, 2018
by dottietheadmin

Zack Taylor, a Marine whose current assignment at the CFI (Center for the Intrepid) is training and helping amputees learn to use their new limb (s) contacted Sharon Massey our Event Coordinator to see if the ministry would help them. Since the Marine had previously met us he was familiar with the ministry and hoped we would provide lunch for the group he was taking to a gun range in Converse. He explained they were all either wounded, injured or ill in treatment (most were amputees). As part of their training the ‘patients’ go to the gun range to maintain or regain their proficiency with weapons. In addition, the facility is rocky has uneven surfaces, inclines, loose gravel, etc. (rather than a nice flat concrete surface) which teaches them how to use their new limbs on less than perfect terrain.

Some of the people in the group will be redeployed after they complete training and physical therapy; others will be medically discharged

On Tuesday, March 28th, we picked up box lunches from Clear River Pecan Company and took them along with some homemade desserts to the gun range. We were fortunate enough to see where they were training and then while they were eating tell them about the ministry. Since they only had a thirty minute break for lunch there was no time for conversations with individuals. Before we left we told them there would be pizza for lunch the next day. We had visions of ordering the pizzas and having them delivered so none of the ministry team would have to make the drive from Fredericksburg. Unfortunately no one delivers to the gun range so it looked like we would be back the next day. You’ve heard the saying “What goes around comes around”. We stopped for lunch and met Paul & Paula Shreves who have been to several of the ministry events. We were telling them about the no delivery problem and they offered to take care of it for us since they live in San Antonio. Paul is a retired wounded warrior so they both understood how important the knowledge is to these men and women that someone appreciated what they had and are going through. Even if that appreciation was expressed with sandwiches, pizza and yummy desserts.

Day Event

Marines at Rest – 24 February 2017

March 29, 2017November 2, 2018
by dottietheadmin

The Lazy U Ranch aka SS American Memorial in Seguin was the perfect place for the Marine Command and Care Team to meet. The meeting served several purposes the first being planning and second doing a risk assessment on the property for potential future events involving their patients. When all the business was taken care of there was still time for some much needed relaxation. The property sits with the Guadalupe River on one side where it flows into Lake Placid. It’s great for water sports, fishing, biking, or just hanging out in the beautiful outdoors.

Craig Russell, property owner, joined Sharon, Jackie and Susan to make the Marines feel welcome. There’s the saying “An Army Travels on its Stomach”. That applies to all military so WWAN arranged for lunch from Bill Miller’s B-B-Q.

Now that warm weather is back, we will probably have more events there.

Thanks Craig for your generosity!!

Happenings

Easter Cards

March 29, 2017November 2, 2018
by dottietheadmin

Paul and Paula each designed and taught an Easter card at the last card class (21 March) at WFSC. Paul loves sponging so naturally his had lots of sponging in the background to offset the adorable chick and bunny. Paula’s featured an Easter basket with multiple eggs cut with framelets and soft pink & green stripes. Both were fun to make and demonstrated multiple techniques.

Thanks, Paula and Paul!!

If you would like to be a guest designer/instructor at one of the card classes

Day Event

Trails Closed!!

March 24, 2017November 2, 2018
by dottietheadmin

Sharon & I got to Enchanted Rock before the gate opened and got permission to go in and claim tables for the Chaplain and his group. The plan was that we would save tables so that after everyone finished their hike up the rock they would join us for some delicious BBQ chicken and all the trimmings. Well, about 30 minutes before the group arrived GOD changed those plans. Rain poured from the sky. Enough that the park ranger told us the trails were closed until they were completely dry since the rock is very slick when wet. So after talking with the Chaplain we made arrangements for them to go through the Museum of the Pacific War then meet us at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church for lunch.

All in all everyone had a nice relaxing time and some even took the opportunity to explore a little of main street.

Special Thanks to David Wiemers for cooking the wonderfully tasty chicken, to Jan Unger and Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, and of course to the Museum for the special rates. And we certainly cannot forget those providing food – Vedena Brown, Barbara Wilcox, Diane Smith for Republican Women, Kaye Telle, Peggy Benson, Laverne Boos and Susan Quindry.

R & R

R & R – March 3-5, 2017

March 10, 2017November 2, 2018
by dottietheadmin

Just wanted to take a moment and let you know that last week-end we had warriors and their families from Fort Sam with us. There were 14 adults and 16 children. They arrived at the First United Methodist Church for eating a light dinner, getting acquainted and playing bingo. We had two special ladies from Latter Day Saints with us. They got involved and called bingo. The families had so much fun. On Saturday they did their own thing in the morning, lunch at Gatti’s then on to an afternoon movie.

The Running the Race Sunday School Class from First Baptist Church hosted the warriors and their families on Saturday evening. It was such a blessing to see Richard Gray’s Sunday School class come together to reach out to our guests and put on a cook-out for them. They were entertained by the string group West Creek and a giant jumpy blow-up for the kids. Each child received a treat bag.

All the families were so appreciative of the week-end and many indicated that they really needed this time away from the everyday military life.

The following people and businesses helped make this event possible.

Running The Race Sunday School Class, 1st Baptist Church – Saturday Dinner, Hospitality and Entertainment; Mr. Gattis Pizza, The National Museum of the Pacific War, Fritztown Cinema; Fredericksburg United Methodist Church; Mr & Mrs John Benson-Guest House; Mr. & Mrs. Mike McCurdy-Guest House; Mr. Karl Ranslaben-Guest House; Inn on Baron’s Creek

Retreat

Couples Retreat

March 5, 2017March 5, 2017
by dottietheadmin

Thinking of February brings up images of Valentines, Chocolate, Roses, Romance, being with your special someone, etc, etc. And being incurable romantics, the WWAN team wanted the couples coming for the retreat to experience ‘it all’!!

There were roses and chocolate to greet each couple when they checked into their rooms. The conference room was set up with red linen table cloths and white china with a vase of roses on each table and of course some chocolate scattered around for munching. Red & silver hearts decorated walls and serving tables. While the couples relaxed around their table getting acquainted with each other, team members served dinner. The hardest decision anyone had to make was which dessert to have. Got the picture? We wanted these couples who were here for some marriage counseling to feel pampered – special.

Saturday morning the chaplain held two sessions before lunch. Then Bethany Lutheran Church kept up the Valentine theme! The tables were reset with white linens and more fresh flower center pieces. They had volunteers who, once the stage was set again, served the couples lunch and made it a point to visit with each person there.

There was one more counseling session after lunch then the couples were dismissed for their date night.

Sunday morning the chaplain held a brief worship service which was actually led by one of the attendees followed by a final session which ended around 11. Judging from comments during the weekend we accomplished our goal – that of making these men and women, some injured, some ill, some just hurting, feel special and for a short time anyway to focus on the positive things in their relationships. And we were honored to be a small part of the process.

This Retreat was made possible through donations from generous individuals and businesses in the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. We thank each and everyone of you! And special thanks to the following: Fredericksburg Inn & Suites for the special rates, Bethany Lutheran Church for providing the meal and visiting with the couples, The restaurants who allowed us to pay for Saturday nights meals after the fact (Cultures, The Rathskeller, Panda Chinese, Hondo’s, K-Bob’s), Museum of the Pacific War, Fritztown Cinema.

More pictures from the event are in the ‘Couples Retreat, February, 2017’ album. Click on “Photos” in the menu at the top of the page to access it. GOD IS GOOD!!

Happenings

Date Changes

March 5, 2017
by dottietheadmin

There have been several changes to dates of events on the Events Calendar. Soooo if you have been planning to attend one of the events you might want to check out the calendar to be sure yours hasn’t changed.

To check events your interested in, click on “Events” in the menu at the top of the page.

Happenings

Card Class Confusion

February 8, 2017
by dottietheadmin

The WWAN card making team arrived at WFSC yesterday to discover the ‘official WFSC calendar’ showed the class on 14 Feb instead of 7 Feb. OOPS!!

The class is ALWAYS the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. The next class will be on 21 February NOT the 14th.

Stuff Happens. See you on the 21st.

Happenings

More than Cards

February 4, 2017February 4, 2017
by dottietheadmin

The Card Making Class on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month usually results in the creation of two or three cards. However, sometimes our artists/teachers decide to do something different. Here are a couple of examples of boxes we have made. The Christmas one is perfect size for cards or a small gift. The ‘animals’ open on the back where small pieces of candy or money, etc. can be put. Of course kids love these whimsical gifts. Everything is made with card stock. Give some serious thought to joining the WWAN team in the Craft Room at WFSC at 10am. You never know whats waiting to stimulate your creativity.

Day Event

Spiritual Fitness – January

February 4, 2017
by dottietheadmin

January 26 started out crisp and clear. A perfect day to explore Enchanted Rock. Chaplain Thompson and Spc. Beckett accompanied 9 brave souls on the hike; although one might say Chaplain Thompson and SPC Beckett were the brave ones as the other nine were women. All of the women, classified as Cadre, work with patients in the Warrior Transition Battalion. Many disciplines were represented, nursing, counseling, physical therapy to name a few. While the Cadre may not be on a foreign battlefield they are in a sense on a battlefield. They are treating in one form or another men & women who have suffered an injury or illness. Their job requires training and skill but it also requires a compassionate soul. As with any other vocation, burn out can be a problem, i.e., compassion burn out. Getting these ladies out doors doing something for themselves is a way to help reduce the stress. After the climb everyone met WWAN team members at the Rathskeller restaurant for lunch and to share stories.

Later everyone adjourned to the Methodist Church where Chaplain Thompson showed a video and then had open discussion about compassion burn out and how to handle it. It was another great day in the Hill Country.

More pictures from the event can be seen in the album “January Spiritual Fitness”