Words From The Heart

We all get those "Do Not Delete" "Pass On" emails.  If your like me practically all of them go in the trash.  There are exceptions and I just finished reading one which I feel compelled to share through this blog. This is just one of several poems written by Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

Although it was written by and addresses the Marines it applies to all of those brave men & women serving their country so we Americans can live in the way to which we have become accustomed.

Following the poem is the letter that Corporal Gilbert sent to his father.  Enjoy!!

Hooah & God Bless!

THE MARINE

We all came together,

Both young and old

To fight for our freedom,

To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,

We stand our ground,

And we protect our country

From all terror around..

Peace and not war,

Is what some people say.

But I'll give my life,

So you can live the American way.

I give you the right

To talk of your peace.

To stand in your groups,

And protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,

I don't bitch, I don't whine.

I'm just one of the people

Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,

Stronger than any machine.

I'm the immortal soldier,

I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,

And leave from your home.

Fight for the people who hate you,

With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,

Fight for the young.

So they all may have,

The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,

Fight for the poor.

Fight for the cripple,

Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,

Do what I've done.

For if you stand up for freedom,

You'll stand when the fight's done

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps

USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

July 23
Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US and Canada and The World. I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway.
You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.' Well, now I know. And I do.. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron

Marvelous May

I love being involved with this ministry. People are always thanking the ministry team for what we do, but  they have no idea what a blessing and joy it is to be with our wounded warriors.  When we see the spirit and bravery with which they are handling the many problems they are encountering as a result of serving us it humbles us and encourages us to face our own difficulties with more grace.

AND they are so much fun and that was not more evident than at our last two May events.  Friday, May 2, started, with an R&R for care providers.  The team arrived first at El Milagro's restaurant. The room was deadly quiet when we arrived.  The early morning customers were having whispered conversations and looked liked they desperately need a shot a caffeine right into their veins.  However, when our ladies arrived the room was immediately filled with laughter, giggling and tons of energy.

Rhoda Reynolds, Debbie Campbell & Stacy Johnson

That set the tone for the second event that began the evening of the same day, our May R&R.  The Evangelical Free Church hosted the dinner.  A host of their members helped cook, set up, and serve a delightful meal.  We were able to catch three of them in the kitchen.

Stephen & Stacey York Calling Bingo

Stephen and Stacey York collected many gifts from our wonderful and very generous businesses in Fredericksburg to make a night of bingo possible.  We will list all of their names in another blog.

Waiting for the Next Number to be Called

At Museum

Saturday the families were allowed to sleep in if they chose, but most decided to take advantage of the many things our area has to offer.   They went to The National Museum of the Pacific War, the Lavender Festival at the Becker Vineyards, the LBJ Texas White House and the Sauer Beckman living history farm. They went through  art galleries and, of course, hit the many shops on Main St.

At lunch we all gathered for great food at West End Pizza.  They started off with our choice of salads

and then brought us out a great variety of pizzas.  To top it off, if one of our guest had a favorite that was not already out they would make one especially for that person. WOW!

Wyatt Hams it Up While Mom & Dad Watch

After lunch our families continued their excursions in the area.  They met us for dinner at Cultures Bar and Grill. Good food and great company.






Afterwards, Sloan Ruth, the owner of Fritztown Cinema, treated all of our guests to a free movie AND free popcorn and a drink. Double WOW!!!

The Amazing Spiderman Crew

All of our families were provided with Sunday breakfast. Some of our supporting congregations were thrilled to have several of the wounded warrior families in worship with them!

This weekend seemed special to us.  We fell in love with our guests and they seemed to have such a good time and really bonded with each other.

Like us on Facebook and see a lot more photos of the weekend in the May R&R Album.

Challenges Met!!

Recently an anonymous supporter issued a $500 challenge.  He/she would match every donation dollar for dollar up to $500.  The funds to be used for March R&R for wounded warriors and their families.

 You all met the challenge!! 
 Thank you 

This month's R&R over laps with Spring Break so guest houses, B&Bs, etc. that are normally donated for the warriors' use are not available.  That means we have to go to hotels to house our guests.  The funds will really help.

Also, as you probably read in an earlier blog, Mike & Debbie McCurdy issued the same type of challenge for April's R&R. They will match donations up to $500.  These funds will also go toward housing since April is one of the busiest months for B&B and guest house rentals.

You Did It!!  The challenge has been met.
               THANK YOU!

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

Things are Happening!!

What an exciting day.  Sharon & I went to Seguin to meet with Pastor Ron Welborn at the United Methodist Church.  The purpose of the meeting was two fold.  First to tell him about the Wounded Warriors at Nebo ministry and two to enlist his (and the church's) help.  As we said in an earlier blog, the Adaptive Sports Military Program is very interested in organizing day trips and/or sports weekends utilizing the Lazy U Ranch, Seguin,  in addition to locations in Fredericksburg.  To achieve this Seguin needs to have people in place to greet and feed the warriors and their families.  One could almost see the "wheels turning" as we visited with Pastor Ron.  He is eager to participate and believes there are others who will feel the same.

Sharon, Dottie, Dave, Craig, Jennifer, Brad & Michael

We left Pastor Ron and drove to Lazy U Ranch where we met Craig Russell, the owner, his daughter and the Adaptive Sports coaches.  They needed to look at the ranch to see if it would work for their warriors activities.  The end result is they can use it for kayaking, hiking, camping, cookouts and mountain biking on the hiking trails.

Craig, Michael, Joel, Brad & Dave

Took a picture of the "Guys" so the rookie (Joel) would be in it.

From there we took everyone back into town to look at the climbing walls at ZDT Amusement center.  The coaches were all very exited about them.  In addition, Danny (the owner) said the silos were also available if they wanted to use them.  They are basically climbing walls 60' high-yikes!! 

Is GOD good or what!!

Boy Did We Goof!!

Recently Sharon and I were blessed to have three of "our" visiting warriors attend church with us.  We were so excited that we lost sight of all the precautions we take when planning events.  Knowing PTSD causes stress when in crowded areas we always ensure there is a clear 'escape route'. Meaning a visible open path to a door or exit. The best thing is to avoid putting warriors into crowds or crowded areas altogether. 

That Sunday both of us must have been brain dead.   First, we sat towards the middle of the sanctuary.  There was lots of space around us but the door was behind us; not visible from our seats.  Then one of the Sunday School classes invited all of us to their monthly covered dish luncheon.  Two of the warriors said sure, they'd like to go.  The other one was a little reluctant but went anyway.  Sharon and I were so wrapped up in our own excitement that we didn't see the warning signs.  When we got to the luncheon it was wall to wall people.  Our brains finally kicked in and we suggested fixing plates to go.  Of course the damage was done and the class was disappointed they didn't have a chance to visit with the warriors.  But I'm sure will understand once they know why we left so quickly.  Later we apologized to the warriors for putting them in stressful situations.  Guys, next time you can pick where we sit in the sanctuary. 

So, lessons learned:

1. Don't let your excitement overshadow the "rules",
2. During orientation ask the warriors to tell us if/when we are getting them into stressful situations.

Our prayer is that these warriors will forgive us and participate in more WWAN events. 

All of you Warriors and families reading this, PLEASE tell us if you are uncomfortable with what we are purposing before it becomes a problem. 

GOD Bless you!!

Dottie Pieper, Sharon Massey, Janet & Hal

Janet and Hal symbolically presenting the funds raised at the October Open House at West End Pizza to welcome Hal back from Afghanistan.  They decided to make the event a fund raiser for Wounded Warriors at Nebo (WWAN) in addition to welcoming Hal back.  What a blessing!!  The funds donated by West End Pizza and others who attended the event will enable WWAN to increase the number of warriors & families invited for R&R weekends.  THANK YOU Hal, Janet and everyone who participated. 

Fast and Furious

What a wonderful busy time of year!  There will be "a full house" at the November R & R weekend.  In fact, we are overflowing.  Some of the warriors will go fishing, some shopping and some will just hang out and rest.

In addition to planning the weekend, Tuesday the 19th we teach the card making class at WFSAC.  It's always fun.  You make two cards (this time it's Christmas cards) and they are yours to keep. Come join us or just stop by to say hello.

Laura & Chris

Another thing looming on the horizon is Thanksgiving.  I'll be with my son and daughter-in-law, my grandson, his wife and my great granddaughter.  Lots of family fun.  Both my son and grandson are Marines!!  OORAH!!

Nevaeh, Me, Jesse

Shonda & Nevaeh

December R & R weekend is 12/6 - 12/8.  There are so many things available to do that weekend including the lighted Christmas parade Friday night!!  Also Friday is the First Friday Art Walk.  Art galleries are open till 8pm with snacks to enjoy while enjoying the art work displayed.  On Saturday there is Kinderfest (Children's Festival) at the Pioneer Museum Complex.  Market Platz is a Christmas fairy land complete with ice skating rink and the hand carved, 26-foot tall wooden Christmas Pyramid from Germany. And much more!!  At night, this time of year, main street reminds me of a Dickens village with all the Christmas decorations.

If you are interested in joining us you need to email sharonmassey@outlook.com ASAP!!  There are only a few spots left.  You can also come on your own on Saturday and enjoy Fredericksburg if the
R & R spots are all filled.

Abundant Blessings

GOD just keeps pouring out blessings and opening doors!!  As a result the R&R weekends and events just keep getting better and better.



Mike & Lisa at their cabin

 October 25-27 was our most recent R&R weekend.  Normally (or what used to be normal) we are pretty well limited to three couples because Nebo sleeps six.  Anything over that and we have to go looking for other housing.  Well, a week or so before this event a couple of locals called to offer their private guest houses.  Then, Mike and Debbie McCurdy negotiated with Day Dream Cabins and got a great rate for the weekend and generously offered to pay for them.

Debbie & Mike

I can't tell you what a blessing all of this is!!  We ended up with four couples and three families coming out for all or part of the weekend.  An eighth had to cancel at the last minute due to his health.  Everyone had "their own space" and privacy - a place to rest during the day.


Shelia Watts

We all gathered at Faith Baptist Church Friday for orientation and a delicious dinner prepared and served by Shelia Watts, Juanita Redd & Barbara Burchfield.  Pastor George helped but was camera shy.

Barbara & Juanita with future Cook

Dessert was Debbie McCurdy's famous crock pot pecan pie.  I think a lot of us wished we had started with dessert - it was decadent and topped with blue bell ice cream!!

Sharon Helping Jeremiah with Dessert

Curtis Woodard & Barbara

 The advantage of having a nice dinner Friday night as guests arrive is they get acquainted with each other, dinner hosts and the WWAN team.




While we were savoring that after dinner coffee and visiting, Debbie gave each couple a number.  Seems an anonymous donor provided funds for a drawing.  What fun and a nice surprise!!
THANK YOU ANONYMOUS!!

Guests Enjoying Crossroads

 Instead of having planned activities for Saturday,
we had a list of "Things to do in Fredericksburg" the guests could choose from or do nothing but veg and watch the grass grow (which some did).

Lunch was at Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse compliments of George Sanchez.  We could eat anytime between 11:30 and 1:00.  Ironically everyone was there by about 12. It probably drove the hostess and wait staff crazy because as more came in they wanted to sit with those already seated.   Super patient, courteous, efficient wait staff.  Yummy food and great fellowship.  What more can you ask for??

"Barn"

The McCurdy's have this beautiful ranch just outside of town.  It is
such a serene setting and perfect for a Chuck Wagon Dinner.  And yes, they have an authentic chuck wagon.

View from Barn at McCurdy's

 I think Debbie cooked for two days getting ready for everyone.  And GOD blessed us with perfect weather for outdoor dining and entertaining even though rain was predicted.

Haywire

Haywire, a blue grass band, provided really good music.  One of the warriors remarked while tapping his toe, " I haven't heard good blue grass since leaving home"!!  In addition to entertaining us a couple of the musicians gave Gabriel lessons on his new guitar. Watch out George Strait, Gabriel is after your job!!

Gabriel gets Private Guitar Lesson

The children had a great time running and playing in the wide open spaces leaving Mom and Dad free to visit.  It was a great evening thanks to the generosity of Mike and Debbie.  Thank you, Charles Malineck for arranging for the band to play for the wounded warriors and their families. Haywire thank you for donating your time and talent.  Your generosity is exceeded only by your great music.

I keep saying, "This was the best R&R we've had"!!  It always warms my heart to watch the warriors change as the weekend progresses.  We watch them unwind & relax.  We see stress, bitterness & anger recede to be replaced with hope and determination.  One thing we hear over and over that keeps us doing this is "It helps knowing people care".

 A 22 year old soldier told me that he was so surprised to see so many people that really care and are grateful for his service.  That knowing people care and want to help makes "it" easier. 

This was on one of the evaluations of the weekend: "Starting on the day of Lisa's retirement and last day of a 23 month ordeal, this retreat was a God-sent for both of us.  You all are a blessing and we're eternally grateful."

Visit facebook.com/ww.nebo to see all the pictures from this weekend!!

GOD is Good.

R&R Weekend



Carr Family enjoying Clear River Pecan Co. Ice Cream

Although several events happened this past weekend, I'm only going to talk about the R & R weekend at Nebo right now.  The Carr family, Don, Stephanie, Sierra-12, Hunter-10, Annabelle-4 and Abigail-3 joined us Saturday at the Best Fest complements of the Knights of Columbus.  After enjoying the great German food, music and other activities they spent the afternoon exploring Fredericksburg. 


Annabelle & Abigail

Thanks to the generosity of Fredericksburg Theatre Company, the family was scheduled to see The Miracle Worker Saturday night.  Now I don't know about you but the thought of taking 3 & 4 year old children to the movies is scary enough but to live theatre?  So in an insane moment I offered to take the children (all 4) and let Don & Stephanie have a date night.  They felt it would be good for the older ones to experience live theatre.  So Annabelle, Abigail & I  got to spend the evening at Nebo playing and watching the cats beg to come inside.



What delightful little girls!!  Made me wish my granddaughters were closer. The evening flew by and before we knew it Don, Stephanie, Sierra & Hunter were home.  They really enjoyed the play and the quality of the performers!!

Sunday afternoon Sharon & I went to Nebo to shut off water and gas, etc. and feed the kittens.  On the counter was a beautiful card the family had made for the WWAN team.

Open House & Benefit at West End Pizza

Join us to at West End Pizza

• Welcome Hal Degenhardt home from Afghanistan.
• They are paying tribute to the organizations & individuals for supporting the Degenhardt family through the 13 month tour.
• T-shirts will be available for purchase with the proceeds going to Wounded Warriors at Nebo.

A Wild and Crazy April

Wow! If you have been reading Dottie's blog entries you know what an exciting month this has been for the Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry Team. With lots of help from the community it hosted 7 separate events for the wounded warriors and their families. You have seen photos of the day fishing trip and card classes, but not from some of the other wonderful events. So, I want to give you an additional peek at what has been happening.

On Saturday, April 13 the choir and other members from Fredericksburg United Methodist Church (FUMC) travelled to the Warrior and Family Support Center to provide a meal and concert to families and staff assigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. To make that possible this wonderful group of men stayed up all night barbecuing. Gaylon brought his very fancy barbecue pit (It barbecues, smokes, heats and bakes) to David's house to prepare brisket, chicken and sausage.  Lucky me!!! Since I was there to take photos I got the very first sausage link.  Umm, Umm good!


Left to Right: Ray Sims, David Wiemers, Ray Brown, Galen Neitsch, Archie Klein


Then on Saturday afternoon all involved travelled

to San Antonio to feed and perform for the warriors and their families.  The Fredericksburg United Methodist Choir chartered a bus to travel the 70+ miles.  Fredericksburg Salutes Our Wounded Warriors donated towards the expense, but each individual choir member paid a portion of the cost out of his or her pocket. I just love my church family, because they are always willing to give of their time and money to try to help others!





I cannot begin to express the joy I feel when we serve our wounded warriors and their families.  It is so good to see them away from what they must go through to heal.  It is so good to see laughter in their faces and know that, at least for a little bit, they have a respite.

The choir members (the ones in red) made sure that they expressed their appreciation to the warriors and their families for the sacrifices they are making. Having said that, I know that all of us who were there to serve received such a blessing.  These warrior families are so very courageous and because of that give encouragement and  hope to all of us.
If they, who have suffered so much, can perserver in overcoming life's challenges how can we not!


On Saturday January 20 The Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry team tried another first.  We invited a small group of warriors to take a photography class in Fredericksburg.  We enlisted the help of Jim Heupel, a professional nature photographer, to teach the class.  He lectured during the first part of the event and then took the warriors to the Von Netzer Ranch where the students had the opportunity to practice what they learned.  When they left they were already talking about a second session.  So, I think the class was a success!  Yea!!!!

Left to Right: Garet Von Netzer, Jim Heupel, Jeff Washburn, Dan Burgess, Michael and Maria Hicks.

The could not have been more perfect.  The sky was clear and temperature perfect.  The photographers had the opportunity to take photos of jack rabbits, black tailed antelope, exotic sheep, etc.

Whew!  Would you believe that is not all we did in April, but I am out of time.  So, Dottie or I will have to post again to tell you about the 5K/10K Wild Flower Run and our respite weekend.

CARDS, ETC.

 Last Tuesday was exciting!!  We had 9 join us to make cards.  That's the largest third Tuesday class we've had.  Lisa, our teacher, had a surprise for us.  Instead of making two cards she had designed a flower on a stick (something like a pinwheel but a flower).  We were able to choose papers and develop our own unique combinations.

 

  In addition to the surprise project we had some men join the class.  WHOO HOO!!    

Lisa explaining some of the finer points.

Card class is also a Social Event

Getting instructions on Glue Gun