R & R – Wounded Warriors at Nebo

Family Holiday R&R, Dec. 5-7, 2025

December 14, 2025December 15, 2025
by dottietheadmin

On Friday, December 5th, twelve families from Ft. Sam Houston gathered in the Nimitz Ballroom for a delicious prime rib and chicken dinner provided and served by the Nimitz Rotary Club, followed by desserts courtesy of Journey Church. After the meal, everyone headed outside to enjoy the lighted Christmas parade from reserved seating. When the parade wrapped up, many families explored the activities at Market Platz.

Saturday was a free day for families to enjoy Fredericksburg at their own pace. Most eventually met up at Hondo’s on Main for lunch, where they swapped stories about ice skating, Kinderfest, and the many other activities happening around town.

That evening, the First Baptist Church hosted a potluck dinner featuring everything from chicken casserole and mac and cheese to enchiladas and an impressive spread of desserts. My personal favorite was the pecan praline bundt cake—although the apple pie gave it some competition.

As dinner wound down, church members handed each of the 23 children a ticket. One by one, numbers were called and each child chose a gift from under the Christmas tree. The final drawing was for a handmade quilt donated by a church member. Then it was the adults’ turn, with drawings for $100 gift cards from various San Antonio businesses. Every family received a gift card, and every child went home with a present.

Just as the excitement settled, Sunshine the Clown arrived and delighted “kids” of all ages with a lively magic show, engaging the children as eager helpers throughout her performance.

A few photos have been posted in this website photo album which you can access by clicking on Photos at the top of this page. However, all photos from the planned activities can be viewed and downloaded at Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | 2025 Dec . Parade photos at Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | Christmas Parade 2025

If the links do not work simply copy and paste into the address line above. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

R & R

Family Christmas R&R

December 18, 2024
by dottietheadmin

Sixteen families from Ft Sam Houston and Ft. Cavazos enjoyed the weekend (6-8 December) in Fredericksburg. Friday began in the ballroom at the Museum of the Pacific War with a prime rib dinner provided by the Nimitz Rotary Club. Desserts were provided by the Sunday School Classes at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Dinner was followed by the annual Lighted Parade. Although it was cold, God held the rain off until just as the parade ended. However, that didn’t stop guests from checking out the After Glow Party and Skating Rink at Market Platz.

Saturday was cold but dry so families had an opportunity to check out the various holiday activities available. Some families let us know they had gone to everything on the list we had provided. Dinner was hosted by St. Mary’s Catholic Daughters. In addition to the delicious food there were multiple gifts for all the children (24).

The hand knitted cap each adult and child received when they arrived for dinner came in handy to help keep warm during the weekend. Caps were knit and donated by Hall Harrington and Patty Sims.

The families had free access to multiple reenactments and children’s activates at the Pioneer Museum, the hundreds of Nativities at Holy Ghost Church, Ice Skating at Eisbahn Skating Rink and Lunch at Backwoods BBQ on Saturday.

This weekend was successful because of all the work done by volunteers and generous donations. We THANK everyone for making this a wonderful weekend for these families.

Photos from the event can be viewed and downloaded by following this link https://wwnebo.org/photos. Pictures from Friday night dinner can also be seen at https://dlroberts.zenfolio.com/p201618085. Parade pictures are at Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | 2024 Christmas Parade

R & R

Family Holiday R&R

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023
by dottietheadmin

What a perfect weekend for being outside!! Evenings a light jacket or sweat shirt was sufficient and during the day it was warm enough that no wrap was required. Much better than the year it was freezing.

Fifteen families joined Wounded Warriors at Nebo in Fredericksburg for kicking off the Christmas season. Friday the annual Lighted Christmas Parade (the biggest one ever with 155 entries!) followed dinner at the Nimitz Ballroom. The Nimitz Rotary Club cooked and hosted the dinner serving prime rib, smoked chicken, scalloped potatoes and french green beans. If guests still had room after all that there were desserts provided by the Renovators Sunday School Class, Fredericksburg UMC. Needless to say, no one went away hungry. After the parade, everyone scattered. Some going to check out the ice skating and other activities at Market Platz while others headed for the hotel.

Saturday everyone was on their own until lunch at Hondo’s on Main then more exploring until dinner at St. Joseph’s Halle. The Catholic Daughters provided a delicious meal of smoked turkey, ham and various side dishes. And again, there were ample desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. There was an activity area for kids who were not interested in the “Name that Song” game. In addition, every child was able to pick at least one gift from the tables of gifts.

This was a really good group! Attending were both active duty and medically retired veterans. Among them there were singles, couples, and couples with children (in fact there were 25 children). Some of the attendees were old friends but most are new friends.

To see photos from the event go to the top of the page and click on the ‘Photos’ tab.

R & R

R & R 5-7 May 2023

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023
by dottietheadmin

On Friday, 5 May, eleven (11) families arrived in Fredericksburg ready for a weekend of fun. As they arrived they checked into the Inn on Baron’s Creek. Later they all gathered at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church for Dinner and to get to know each other. During orientation they were provided with a list of things available to do during the weekend including places waiving admission. The weekend was warm enough that the pool was inviting and well used in addition to exploring some of the historical buildings and other sights on main street. Saturday was another beautiful day. We got to see most of the families at Gattis for lunch (the kids got $10 game tickets) and everyone ate until they couldn’t eat anymore. Later that evening Bethany Lutheran Church hosted dinner which was followed by Bingo. Everyone had a good time playing and seeing what prize they would get.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this weekend possible! We especially thank both Holy Ghost Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran for hosting and providing delicious meals in addition to visiting with the guests making them feel welcome. As always, the Inn on Baron’s Creek took good care of our guests.

Once again God provided a beautiful weekend and safe travels.

Photos from the weekend can be viewed by clicking on Photos at the top of the page and selecting the album titled R&R May 5-7, 2023.

R & R

Family Christmas R&R

December 31, 2022
by dottietheadmin

Fifteen families (43 people) came to Fredericksburg for the annual lighted parade and Family R&R. The weekend started with dinner at Zion Lutheran Church followed by the parade. The weather was perfect for the parade requiring a light jacket or no jacket at all. Volunteers set up and took down chairs for our guests to sit and enjoy all the floats. According to the chamber, this was the biggest Christmas parade for Fredericksburg.

After the parade guests went exploring. Some went ice skating others just checked out what activities were available for the weekend then headed for the hotel. Families were on their own to enjoy the festivities until Saturday lunch which was catered at Bethany Lutheran Church and later, dinner at St. Joseph’s Halle hosted by the Catholic Daughters. Activities at the Pioneer Museum were very popular with the smaller children.

Our photographer got some great shots of the parade Friday night. They can be view and/or downloaded at his website on Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | 2022 Dec (dinner) and Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | Christmas Parade 2022 (parade).

Wounded Warriors at Nebo thank Zion Luthern Church for hosting Friday’s meal for these families and the Catholic Daughters who provided Saturday’s dinner in addition to games and gifts for the families. In addition, we are grateful to the venues that allowed our guests to participate without paying (they kept track and we paid them later). A special thank you to all the volunteers who make it possible for the families to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Fredericksburg and for making them feel welcome and loved.

Photos of families at the evening meals can be viewed by following the link https://wwnebo.org/photos

Trying to get everyone visible in a group photo proved to be impossible so i have put two views of the families in the photo album.

R & R

Family Christmas R & R – Dec. 3-5, 2021

December 9, 2021December 22, 2021
by dottietheadmin

Fredericksburg, TX, at Christmas time, reminds me of a Dicken’s Christmas Village. The town officially sets off the season with it’s lighted parade. This year there were an estimated 130 – 140 units in the parade. Needless to say, IT WAS AWESOME! Our photographer took pictures of several floats during the parade. They are included in the R & R Photo Album.

Hosting a family R & R the weekend of the parade is an annual event for us. This year there were twelve (12) families participating including eight (8) children ranging in age from 4 to 17. Friday evening dinner was provided by the Nimitz Rotary Club in the newly restored Ballroom at the Museum of the Pacific War. Following dinner our guests stepped outside to watch the parade in an area reserved for them complete with chairs (provided by the museum). After the parade, everyone scattered – some going to the After Glow Party, some enjoying galleries as part of the Friday Night Art Walk and others explored main street and went ice skating.

Saturday turned out to be another gorgeous day to be outside for the families to check out main street, explore the country side or just hang out. Lunch was at Gattis Pizza where each child received a $10 game card. There was so much to see and do that everyone stayed busy until dinner at St. Joseph’s Halle. The Catholic Daughters provided a delicious meal and lots of toys for the children to select from. It was a fun filled evening.

During their time in Fredericksburg, our guests were provided free admission to the Museum of the Pacific War, Pioneer Museum, Ice Skating and Fritztown Cinema in addition to their lodging and meals.

It is only because of the generosity of this community that we are able to provide a weekend where the Warriors and their family can leave the stress of everyday appointments and struggles behind and relax and play a little. This weekend was made possible by: The Nimitz Rotary Club, The Catholic Daughters, Inn on Baron’s Creek, Mr. Gattis Pizza, the Ephrim Andrews Chapter DAR, Pioneer Museum, National Museum of the Pacific War and numerous volunteers.

R & R

January 10-12, 2020 R&R

January 18, 2020February 11, 2020
by dottietheadmin

What started out with thunderstorms and rain turned into a lovely weekend. Friday evening was cold, wet and noisy but people persevered and made it to Fredericksburg United Methodist Church for dinner. As they entered, they were greeted by members of the Encouragers and Inquirers SS class’ who also joined guests during dinner, visiting and getting acquainted. Since Cadre (Staff) work directly with personnel in transition we took the opportunity to show them a presentation explaining all of the services we provide for the wounded, injured, ill and caregivers. Sharon, the presenter, told our guests that they were in a perfect position to identify people who could benefit from some of our events and asked they contact either the chaplain’s office or us with that information. At the end of the evening some were headed out to find places with live music and others back to the hotel.

Saturday we all met at West End Pizza for an optional lunch provided by Wounded Warriors at Nebo which allowed us to visit and get better acquainted.

Then everyone was on their own until dinner at the Church of Latter Day Saints (a new addition to the ministry). There was no program but lots and lots of food and friendly congregants visiting with the guests making them feel loved and welcome. The food was delicious but the high light was fresh peach cobbler (in my opinion).

It turned out to be a beautiful weekend making it easy for guests to enjoy Fredericksburg and recharge.

View photos from the event by clicking on Photos at top of Home Page.

R & R

Family Christmas R&R, 2019

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019
by dottietheadmin

December is a special time in Fredericksburg, TX. Main street is decorated reminding me of a Dickens Village. Market Platz has the ice rink, a traditional Christmas tree, a German ‘tree’ and the beautiful Nativity. In addition, the trees are ablaze with lights. It is part of the reason we have a family R&R on the first weekend when the lighted parade kicks off season. There is more going on than I can put here so if you’re interested go to Fredericksburg’s website where everything is listed. All of this works together to help make this R&R really special for the kids and young at heart.

Fifteen families arrived in Fredericksburg, TX on Friday, December 6 for a weekend of celebrating Christmas beginning with dinner at Zion Lutheran Church followed by front row seats for Fredericksburg’s Lighted Parade. Following the parade families went exploring, checking out Market Platz and some of the art galleries that were still open.

Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, everyone was on their own to shop, go to a movie, or just relax until lunch which was at Mr. Gattis Pizza. Everyone received tickets for the games at Mr. Gattis (not sure who enjoyed the games more the kids or adults!). After lunch many went to the Pioneer Museum, Ice Skating, National Museum of the Pacific War, etc.

Saturday evening dinner was hosted by the Catholic Daughters in St. Joseph’s Hall. The Catholic Daughters planned a drawing where the child with the winning number would select a toy from a table of many. They were blessed by donations of toys for the drawing. One of the warrior families learned of the plans and also brought a box of toys to be used.

Tom Canfield, a local resident who enjoys working with wood, presented each family with a handmade wooden puzzle. The story of the puzzle is that it will go together many different ways and just as in life you just have to seek what works best for you.

Sunday morning each family received a smoked turkey as they checked out of the hotel. Toyota was giving “Turkeys for Troops” just prior to Thanksgiving and generously donated some to Wounded Warriors at Nebo who had them smoked and frozen.

This R&R hosted 15 (fifteen) families resulting in a total of 52 (fifty two people). We lost count of all the volunteers involved either donating desserts or toys, cooking, visiting with the families, etc. I could go on and on and still miss some – it takes a village. THANK YOU, THANK YOU EVERYONE. You helped make 52 people very happy and let them know there are people who care.

Check out the photo album “Family Christmas R&R for lots of pictures of this event.

R & R

November, 2019 R & R

November 20, 2019November 20, 2019
by dottietheadmin

Couples and families gathered at Holy Ghost Lutheran church Friday evening for delicious meal of made from scratch chicken fajitas and all the trimmings. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, they served ice cream with Bunuelos. No one left hungry.

Everyone was on their own until lunch Saturday at Hondo’s on Main. It was a perfect day to be outside. After lunch guests went shopping, visited the Museum of the Pacific War, Fritztown Cinema, etc. Then met at Memorial Presbyterian Church for a lasagna & salad dinner and of course lots of dessert.

Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who donated use of your guest houses. The couples expressed their appreciation for the “wonderful accommodations” (their words). They really felt pampered. We also thank Fritztown Cinema, the Museum, Best Western Hotel and Hondo’s for your generous discounts.

While Wounded Warriors at Nebo has had many R&Rs this is the first one that focused on wounded, injured and ill who have been medically retired. Based on many conversations with veterans who had gone to our events while in treatment and/or transition we recognized that while they may no longer be active duty, they still need the respite that our events provide. It was great to renew old friendships and make new ones. We plan to continue reaching out to veterans as well as those still in transition.

For more photos of this weekend click on photos at the top of the home page and select the album “November 2019 R & R.

Happenings

December Family R & R

December 20, 2018
by dottietheadmin

Fredericksburg ROCKS! Once again, despite cancellation of the Parade of Lights and After Glow Party, this community has put on its glad rags for Christmas and welcomed 10 wounded warrior families to join us for this celebratory season. These 50 people were all treated to dinner in the ballroom of the Nimitz Museum then played games to win the live poinsettia centerpieces before going off to other entertainments. They had many opportunities for entertainment through the weekend including going to Fritztown Theater for a movie, entry to the Nimitz Museum, going ice skating at the Eisbahn, experiencing German and settler crafts at Pioneer Museum and, of course, shopping and meals at West End Pizza and Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Wow, what a weekend!

If anyone is questioning the value of our efforts as seen by those who come to visit let us share two special stories from this weekend. Our first surprise came from the Menchaca family. They have been able to come to another of our events earlier in the year and indicated on Friday that they had something they would like to share with our volunteers when they came for dinner on Saturday. What they had were Christmas ornaments for each of the group who had prepared dinner for us and several others, and two cheesecakes for all to share. They had made a special trip to Mexico to find the ornaments.

The second example of gratitude occurred on Saturday also. As dinner was finishing, one of the soldiers, SFC Tyson Persona, asked for the opportunity to use the microphone. He spoke eloquently of the difference between being thanked for their service when seen in uniform and being invisible once separated from their military arm due to their injuries. He explained that we (Wounded Warriors at Nebo) were the ones who recognized and met their need for continued recognition of their sacrifices. He stated that this community have opened our arms to them and made them feel both welcomed and thanked for their continuing sacrifice of health and well-being.

Thank you to all who have donated services, money, time and prayers. An extra special thanks to the Nimitz Museum for donating their ballroom space for dinner on Friday evening, to Heritage School for donating free skating for all of our visitors, to the Pioneer Museum for the donation of free admission, and to Fritztown Theater for a deep discount on movie admission for 31 people. I am sure the families you have affected this weekend would tell you the same – God bless Fredericksburg!

Click Here to view More Photos