News Letters
Well, I wish I had a better excuse for this getting posted late but I just plain forgot. I’m sorry. Those who receive it via email got their copy on time. However, since the church was closed we could not get paper copies for those we usually send snail mail. Click on this link and enjoy N-L 3-20
Couples will gather in Fredericksburg for a weekend devoted to strengthening their marriage. They will participate in a renewal of their wedding vows in a local church presided over by local pastors. Their ‘wedding’ will include flowers for the brides and boutonnieres for the grooms. A celebratory meal/reception will follow the ceremony. Semi formal attire is suggested. It’s up to the couples how they spend the rest of the weekend.
Lodging and meals will be provided. In addition, couples will have free entrance to the museums and movie.
If you are interested, a wounded warrior (active duty or medically retired) contact SPC Breana Cincotta the WTB chaplain’s assistant or watch for the signup sheet at WFSC.
Retreat
Saturday, February 7, six women arrived in Fredericksburg for a relaxing weekend. All of these women have very special, difficult jobs. Each one is a caregiver for her spouse. For those of you who do not know what being a caregiver is, it’s a 24/7 job of taking care of someone who is wounded, injured or ill. If there are children at home then that just adds to the difficulty and stress. Getting away for a weekend with others in similar circumstances to talk about what’s going on, exchange ideas and getting a little pampering helps. It lets them know they are not alone which is very important since some are new to San Antonio having recently moved, leaving their families and support system behind so their loved one can receive the treatment he needs.
So after checking into a guest house in the beautiful hill country the ladies met Rene Pennington, a local Christian therapist who moderated some ice breakers while dinner was prepared. She would also be meeting with them Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon the ladies were treated to a manicure or pedicure then spent some time exploring main street before meeting at Hondo’s On Main for dinner.
When asked if they felt the weekend had been beneficial they all said an emphatic yes. Prior to the retreat three of the women had never met any of the other participants. All six left as friends who plan to support each other and reach out to friends who are also caregivers. They also stated at one time or the other that they rely heavily on God to help them through this difficult journey. What a blessing it was to have several of them join us for church Sunday morning.
This is the second retreat in our new Caregiver Retreat program.
Click on Photos at top of Home Page to see more picture of the event.
R & R
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.
Happenings
December usually means Christmas cards will be made at both the 1st and 3rd Tuesday Classes and this year was no exception. Cards made on the 1st Tuesday (December 3rd) were designed and taught by Jan and Ruth.
December 17th cards were designed and taught by Sharon & Dottie. 
Our sample cards are just that – samples. Most of our friends attending add their own creativity to personalize their cards. It’s always exciting to see the end products.
If you haven’t joined us yet, then you are missing out on fun and fellowship and some really good desserts which are served at the end of the class. Mark you calendar for January 7, 2020, and come to WFSC craft room. We begin at 10 and are finished between 11:30 & 12 noon.
To view more photos click on “Photos” at the top of the page and select the album “December Cards”.
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Happenings
Mid November Toyota of Boerne held their “Turkey for Troops” event where they gave away turkeys. Wounded Warriors at Nebo was blessed to receive 45 of them. Rather than give them out at Thanksgiving, we took them to Dutchman’s meat market in Fredericksburg who smoked, shrink wrapped and froze them so they could be delivered for Christmas.
Families attending the December R&R received a turkey as they checked out of the hotel Sunday. Then on December 17th Wounded Warriors at Nebo took the remaining turkeys to Ft. Sam Houston and gave them to representatives of the Army, Navy and Marines to be distributed to their families in transition.
Thank you Toyota and Dutchman’s for your generosity.
Day Event
Boot Ranch has one of the premier golf courses in the country. Their generosity is equally incredible. Two weeks ago Alex Rhyne , the golf pro, told us they would like to have 12 – 16 warriors come play 9 holes of golf, complete with caddies and carts, as guests of Boot Ranch and asked us to provide the golfers. Of course we agreed and obtained approval to treat the warriors to lunch in the club house. Last Saturday, October 19, we met 11 warriors for lunch in the club house at Boot Ranch. Two men were accompanied by their wives and a young lady was there to ride along with her dad. After lunch the wives headed for Fredericksburg and shopping while the guys headed for the course. It was a beautiful day. Most of the warriors had only heard of Boot Ranch so were duly impressed. Those who had played it before were telling others how great it was.
It was so good to visit with old friends and make new ones. Everyone kept expressing their gratitude to Alex and the Wounded Warriors at Nebo team for the opportunity to play and the recognition of their service. They explained how these types of events help with their continuing recovery process.
As a bonus God answered a prayer with that event. The ministry has been praying for guidance and received it in the form of two of the attendees. One works through the Warrior Transition Battalion creating events to get soldiers out and keep them active. The other gentleman has similar responsibilities for the Navy. Both told us “We need to have a meeting and see how we can help each other.” We are excited!!
The only out of pocket expense for our guests was their transportation (except for souvenirs).
View photos from the event by clicking on “Photos” on the Home Page menu bar then select the Boot Ranch albumn.
Happenings
It finally came together! Wounded Warriors at Nebo has been working to have a care provider weekend for almost a year. This is a new program we are testing to see if it is something that is needed and helpful to care providers. This weekend was the ‘Proto-Type”. It could be called Pampering and Relaxing.
There was a ‘meet and greet’ Friday evening followed by dinner. Then Saturday there were several sessions with the counselor where the ladies shared experiences, got acquainted, and received tools to potentially help improve their roll as care provider to their husband. Later they were treated to a manicure or pedicure then explored Main Street. We all met at Hondo’s for dinner before they went to the concert at the BackDoor. Of course it rained but that didn’t seem to dampen their excitement and enjoyment of the venue. Sunday everyone attended services at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church prior to returning to San Antonio.
We had a lot of help making this happen. Use of a guest house was donated for the event, a local Christian counselor donated her time, Friday’s evening meal was prepared and served by a local volunteer, Hondo’s gave us a break on Saturday’s meal and tickets to the Billy Ray Cyrus concert were donated. And of course GOD was directing everything.
Feedback has been very positive so we look forward to more of these events.
To see more photos of the event click on “Photos” on the Menu bar on the home page then select the Pampering and Relaxing Album.