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
R & R
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.
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.
Happenings
On Tuesday, 17 September, Ruth and Sharon arrived at the WFSC (Warrior Family Support Center) ready to make two cards, one Halloween and one Sympathy. Eight ladies: spouses, warriors in transition, retirees, etc., joined them for a morning of creativity and fellowship. Although we provide a sample card and materials, we encourage everyone to use their artistic license making their cards unique. Of course dessert followed completion of the class.
If you missed this class or just want to try your hand at card making come to WFSC on October 1st. Jan and Jackie will be there to start class at 10 a.m. And please remember, Men are welcome in fact some of the most creative participants have been men. See you then!!
Retreat
Friday the 13th, yes, Friday the 13th, couples and families gathered at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church for the first session of the weekend with Chaplain Shannon. However, in keeping with the Friday the 13th legend it should be noted here that this retreat was to be hosted by and held at the First Baptist Church. During preparation on Thursday the Baptist’s were told there was a broken water main so there was NO WATER and no one was sure how soon it could be fixed. Hmm? Fortunately the Methodist Church was available so everything was moved across town and all of the warriors were informed of the change before they left San Antonio.
Session 1 began as Chaplain Shannon, utilizing visual aids and handouts, explained they were going to explore how to identify feelings and just as important, how to express them. The model the chaplain used would be good in any environment, i.e., military, corporate, home, etc. In fact, some of the volunteers asked for the website links for personal use. After the dinner break the children went back to their game areas while the parents and couples completed a second session before heading back to the hotel for the evening.
Saturday morning started with Chaplain Shannon leading the group through a third session where, like the previous evening, there was a lot of ‘audience’ participation. The chaplain then introduced a guest speaker who is a social worker at the Warrior Transition Battalion. She said that couples tend to lose sight of the things that attracted them to each other. Their challenge was to make a ‘Memory Box’ (my words). They were given a plain wooden box and then chose various items with which to decorate it. The decorations were to represent things that attracted the couple to each other and other significant events in their life. Couples took turns showing off their creations and explaining all the elements involved.
The children joined their parents for a delicious catered lunch after which everyone was free for the afternoon. Dinner was provided by members of the First Baptist Church. There was an amazing variety and amount of food for the warriors and families to enjoy. In fact, there were multiple go boxes prepared for the warriors.
During their free time in Fredericksburg, several went to Fritztown Cinema, the Museum of the Pacific War and the game room at Mr. Gattis’ Pizza as guests of Wounded Warriors at Nebo.
In spite of the rough start, this retreat’s 42 attendees left with new interpersonal skills.
This retreat will feature counseling classes for the couples. While the couples are with the chaplain the children will be involved in their own activities. Families will be reunited after the counseling classes for meals and some free time to enjoy Fredericksburg, attend movies, tour galleries, etc.
The retreat begins Friday evening with dinner, orientation and a short session with the chaplain. There will be several sessions for the couples Saturday after which they will enjoy a family dinner at one of the Fredericksburg churches. There is usually one session Sunday morning then the families are free to enjoy Fredericksburg or head home.
Join us in the Craft Room at WFSC at 1000 and make a couple of greeting cards to take home with you. The class is open to anyone but limited to 10 people. Whether you have never made a card or are an “old timer”, it’s fun and relaxing – a great way to focus on something other than appointments, etc., and there is always a dessert at the end. There is a signup sheet in the common area at WFSC but you can just show up and join the fun and fellowship.
Hope to see you there- Bring a friend.
This event is for Cadre and their families. It will be held at the Fort Sam Houston Aquatic Center. This is a day the families can relax and play together. The chaplain will also share some tips for handling the job related stress. Lunch will be provided by Wounded Warriors at Nebo. Space is limited so contact the WTB Chaplain’s office to sign up for this fun day.
Join us in the Craft Room at WFSC at 1000 and make a couple of greeting cards to take home with you. The class is open to anyone but limited to 10 people. Whether you have never made a card or are an “old timer”, it’s fun and relaxing – a great way to focus on something other than appointments, etc., and there is always a dessert at the end. There is a signup sheet in the common area at WFSC but you can just show up and join the fun and fellowship.
Hope to see you there- Bring a friend.