Spiritual Fitness - 11/13/2015

The cooler weather was perfect for hiking Enchanted Rock.  Chaplain Ginsburg, 7 warriors and a care provider arrived at the rock early Friday morning.  After a brief devotional those who were able climbed the rock while others hiked around the base of it.

The Chaplain (2nd from left) with hikers

 Departure for lunch was delayed due to a few of the party getting lost. Eventually everyone arrived safe and sound and headed for West End Pizza in Fredericksburg.

The adventurers were joined by a wife of one of them and a couple of WWAN team members.  Everyone was hungry so while they waited on their entree several ordered cheese cake. "Life is short.  Eat dessert first"  Then Tara, our server, brought out samples of Tiramisu complements of West End Pizza. The food was excellent, as usual.  Later at the R&R dinner a couple who had been on the hike was encouraging others to go there on Saturday.

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Cooking With Betsy (October 16, 2015)

Eddie and Betsy Fredericks are relatively new residents in Fredericksburg.  However, that hasn't stopped them from getting involved in the community.  Betsy has a passion for cooking.  In fact she had a cooking school in Lafeyette, LA.  She receintly put that passion and skill to work for WWAN.  

Betsy, on right, Demonistrating

Nine care providers met at her home for a day of fellowship, learning and fun. Stacy Johnson, Day Event Coordinator for the Ministry was there.  She shared the following about the day.

"Betsy taught us how to make homemade ravioli, minestrone soup, almond biscotti and chocolate salami.  Everyone participated and worked on several dishes. Everyone was busily working in Betsy's wonderful kitchen under her expert supervision.  Betsy was delightful and fun was had by all.  After preparing this wonderful meal, we all sat down and enjoyed the fruits of our labor.  Oh yes, two sauces - tomato and cream - went on the ravioli.  Delicious!!!"

One of the attendees sent this message,

"Ms. Stacy,
I want to thank you and your wonderful group of ladies for such a wonderful day on Friday.  I think everyone enjoyed the cooking lesson, I certainly enjoyed it.  Please thank everyone again for me on behalf of the Lackland AFB service members and caregivers.
Sheila Sidberry"

Betsy, WWAN thanks you for your generosity and look forward to the next "Cooking with Betsy"

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Pizza For a Purpose

     In October, 2013, West End Pizza planned a welcome home party for Hal Degenhardt who had just returned from Afghanistan.  Somewhere in the planning the welcome home was transformed into a fund raiser to benefit Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry (WWAN).  What an unexpected blessing for the new local ministry.  

Janet & Hal Presenting "Check" to WWAN

     This will be the third year that Janet & Hal host "PIZZA FOR A PURPOSE" with proceeds going to support WWAN.  There will be live entertainment and lots of great items to be raffled off thanks to the generosity of local merchants. And of course, a DELICIOUS Buffet.  Following are the details.  Hope to see you there!

232 W. Main Street ~ Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

For Information Contact Janet Degenhardt at (830) 456-2877 or janet@westendpizzacompany.com

To Sponsor or Donate Auction Items contact Debbi McCurdy at (830) 998-2920 or debbimccurdy@gmail.com 

Hal & Janet with Family at 2013 Pizza with a Purpose

Hal with Fellow Vets at 2013 Pizza with a Purpose

Your Big Chance!

There is this incredible group of ladies who are working together to raise money for this Ministry.  One of the things they are doing is raffling off the Utility Wagon pictured below.  Tickets are $50 each but they are only selling 250 which increases your chance of winning.  The drawing for the winner will be September 5th at the USO Dinner/Dance (also a fund raiser).  You do not have to be present to win.  

All proceeds will be used to help continue providing Retreats, R&R weekends and Day Events for wounded, injured & ill in the WTB at Fort Sam Houston.

 

To Purchase Tickets Contact 

Debbi McCurdy, (830) 998-2920 or

Hanger Hotel, (830) 997-9990

Company B Family Day

On a hot summer day in August for a few hours families came together, they put the hardships and demands of work and recovery on hold to celebrate life. The Fredericksburg Wounded Warriors at Nebo  helped bring relaxation and spiritual mending to some of our most deserving service men and women.


 
On August 14, 2015 approximately 35 veterans and their families converged on the Lazy U Ranch located in Seguin Texas. Nestled under majestic pecan and cypress trees is a piece of heaven. Families took part in archery, fishing, kayaking, self defense classes, swimming, and board games. Some braved the old fashion rope swing and others sat back and simply enjoyed the peacefulness of children's laughter and the bond only blood brothers and sisters could understand. There was also bingo, bike riding and a good old fashion Texas barbecue. 


The true art of service is to give without expectation, through the hard work of many, families that have sacrificed so much were blessed to at least for this day come together to enjoy what being a American hero is all about! 

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Volunteering

Recently Run In Texas contacted us and asked if we would be interested in providing volunteers for a Ladies 5k-10k Run/Walk to be held at the Wildseed Farm outside of Fredericksburg.  In return for providing 15 volunteers to help by handing out water and checking in runners, they would make a nice donation to the Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry.  Needless to say we couldn't pass up the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and be part of the fun and help the ministry!!  What wonderful volunteers!! Twenty showed up!!

 We are grateful to Debbi McCurdy for organizing the volunteers and to everyone who came out to help.  It was a beautiful sight to see!!

Spring

Willow Loop

I just love Spring!!  It's like everything is coming to life after a Rip Van Winkle siesta.  I especially look forward to seeing the hills and roadsides covered with wild flowers.  Some of the first to emerge are the famous Texas Blue Bonnets.  Those are shortly joined by Indian Paint Brush.  Before long there is a plethora of color that feeds the soul.  I am blessed to live in an area that had a fabulous riot of color this Spring.  Cars and motorcycles come from all over to tour the country side and enjoy GOD's art work.

Willow Loop Roadside

Willow City Loop

Although the Blue Bonnets are fading, there is still a riot of color, reds, yellows, white, pink and more.  Add to that the many shades of green that the newly leafed out trees exhibit and it's breathtaking to put it mildly.These photos don't capture the real beauty of nature but you get the idea.

If you haven't noticed or live in the city where there is mostly concrete, load your family into the car or fire up the motorcycle and head to the country for an afternoon to remember how beautiful Spring is and be re-energized.

Oh, yes, did I say I LOVE Spring??!!!

Let It Rain or Not

The forecast for the March R&R weekend was rain, rain & more rain (at least it wasn't ice). On Tuesday prior to our guests' Friday arrival there were 48 men, women & children signed up for the weekend.  Thirty seven actually spent a relaxing weekend in Fredericksburg.  They enjoyed the Lenten fish dinner at St. Joseph's Hall, compliments of Knights of Columbus. Then moved to the Methodist church for dessert, orientation and bingo.  It was drizzly/rainy all day but basically stopped during the time the guests were arriving.  Amazingly it didn't start up again until everyone was in for the night.

South Church Members Served Dessert

Bingo!!

Cooks & Hosts Saturday Night Dinner

Saturday was overcast with intermittent drizzle.   When everyone gathered at the Catholic Church for Saturday dinner they exchanged stories of how they had spent the day.  Many went to the Nimitz Museum aka The National Museum of the Pacific War.  Most of the children were preteen and older so they really enjoy the museum along with their parents and of course the decant ice cream at Clear River Pecan Co.  Others enjoyed the playground at Market Platz and shops on main street.  After dinner almost everyone headed for the Fritztown Cinema.

Looking back we got some much needed rain with clear periods at just the right times for the visiting wounded warrior families to enjoy their weekend in Fredericksburg.  GOD is good!!

Once again special thanks to the following people and businesses who helped make this weekend successful:

• Nimitz Museum
• South Church
• Knights of Columbus, St Mary's Catholic Church
• Catholic Daughters, St Mary's Catholic Church
• Clear River Pecan Co.
• Fritztown Cinema
• Sunday House Inn & Suites
• Mike & Debbie McCurdy
• John & Peggy Benson
• Camey Stewart
• Barbara & Wayne White
• Sharon & Wayne Massey

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How Cold Was It??

Friday, 2/27/2015 it was drizzling with temperatures dropping.  That didn't stop three families from traveling to Fredericksburg for the weekend.  They gathered at the Methodist Church where they met some church members who had come out to cook for them and to make them feel welcome.  We enjoyed a Baked Potato & Salad Bar with Ice Cream & Cookies for dessert.

Saturday was a little warmer so we didn't have to deal with ice.  Some of our guests braved the cold to explore main street and sample local ice cream.  Later everyone met at St. Barnabas Episcopal church for a delicious dinner of home made lasagna.  The warmth of the ladies and gentlemen hosting dinner was exceeded only by the laughter of the wounded warrior's children.  After dinner everyone headed for Fritztown Cinema to complete a relaxing day.

 Sunday we were blessed to have two of the families join us for worship.

A special thank you to:
St. Barnabas Episcipal Church,
Fredericksburg United Methodist Church,
Clear River Pecan Company,
Fritztown Cinema,
Sunday House Inn & Suites,

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Spa Day

What a day for the spa!!  It was wet & cold with a little snow thrown into the mix.  However that didn't deter nine (9) women (wives of wounded marines) from leaving Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and driving to Fredericksburg.















We all met for breakfast at Woerner's Cafe then three of the women went shopping while the other five were pampered with either a manicure, pedicure or massage.

Happy Birthday Hallie

Lunch was complements of the Rathskeller. Everyone was talking at once about shopping, spa experience, places they had been deployed, etc.  We also had the privilege of celebrating Hallie Garza's birthday.  She told us her husband had signed her up to come and told her about it this morning.  Surprise!!

After lunch it was the "shoppers" turn to visit the spa while the others shopped.

Everyone agreed it was a much needed break. As one put it "Everyone Needs a Girl's Day Out!" They headed back home refreshed, ready to resume their care provider role and ready to come back to Fredericksburg with their families.

Of course these events don't happen without the generosity of the Fredericksburg community.  Our thanks to:  Rathskeller who donated lunch

                  The Spa at the Inn on Baron's Creek for special rates

                  Peyton Place Day Spa for discounted rates

                  Woerner's Cafe opened early

January, 2015, Couple's Retreat

The setting was peaceful, relaxing & inviting as couples checked into the Old Mill Settlement for the weekend.  After getting settled, everyone met at the Cypress Room at Fredericksburg Inn & Suites for a light supper and "Get Acquainted Games" led by Chaplain Ginsburg and his wife Jenelle.

Friday Night Get Together

Some of Saturday Night Hosts

The next morning the chaplain demonstrated how to recognize pitfalls and how to deflect them.  After lunch at Mamacita's, the couples were free to explore Fredericksburg until dinner time.


Memorial Presbyterian Church provided a warm welcome and delicious dinner for everyone.  

Cutting Up

They also presented each couple with a gift bag containing hand made caps for the men and either a cap or scarf for the ladies.  All of the items had been prayed over while being made.  The guys got a kick out of trying on their spouse's gift.

Carlos & Martina Won Quilt

During dinner there were drawings for gifts which included among other things, gift cards, a prayer shawl donated by the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and a Quilt donated by the One Quilt Place Quilt Shop.

T.J.'s versionn of Lionel Richie 

T.J. Smith entertained everyone after dinner.  He had people laughing until tears.  Everyone loved him!!  T.J. donated his time and talent to these brave warriors and their spouses.

Angel & John Arroyo

Sunday morning worship started with songs and prayers.  Lt. John Arroyo, a survivor of the April 2nd shooting at Fort Hood, gave his testimony.  He took us through the shooting and the miracles that have occurred since he was shot.  His is an amazing true story of what GOD can do.

Following worship the chaplain covered one more chapter in the "Fearless Marriage".

As with all Wounded Warrior at Nebo events, many volunteers and donations were involved.  We thank you all for your continued support and help!

Old Mill Settlement donated cabins for couples
Clear River Pecan Co. donated box lunches
South Church donated breakfast burritos
Mamacitas donated Saturday lunch
Memorial Presbyterian Church donated Saturday dinner and Caps/Scarves
Alan and Pat Spousta greeted and checked guests into their quarters
Charles Quindry greeted and checked guests into their quarters
Bonnie Grimmer greeted and served couples Friday night
Lee and Nancy Chiles greeted and served couples Friday night
Fbg. United Methodist Church Prayer Shawl Ministry donated payer shawl
One Quilt Place quilt shop donated quilt
Buzz White donated Pecans
Ace Hardware donated Pizza Stone Kit


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Veterans Healing Through Connection - FREE to the Military

Several months ago the Caron Foundation reached out to us asking if we would be interested in partnering with them.  They have launched a couples counseling program. It's an intense three days of group therapy.  We agreed to look into the possibility and let them know.

Caron is based in Pennsylvania and have been doing drug and alcohol rehabilitation for 60 years. They have a really good reputation. Check out their website (www.caron.org).  The literature they left us sounded like their program would be exactly what we have been wanting.  Something to help the wounded warriors on a deeper level.  We asked a local Christian therapist to look into it and give us her opinion.  She also attended the December retreat in Leaky as an observer.  In addition, we had two couples (both retired military) attend incognito to evaluate the counseling from a recipients prospective.  They all came back with very positive reports.  Both couples agreed that it was intense but very effective.  They recommended we go forward.  The therapist said there were many "AHA Moments" for the participants.  She also said it looked like what we have been wanting to do.

So, we will be working out details with Caron regarding what "partnering" looks like.  In the mean time they have two weekends already scheduled.  If you are interested contact Amy Durham at (484)345-2619/Amy.Durham@Caron.org or visit www.BreakthroughAtCaron.org/Veterans

Enjoying the Outdoors

The month of October in Fredericksburg is full of “fests” and our October Wounded Warrior R&R was no exception.

The warriors and their families arrived on Friday evening to a dinner hosted by Faith Baptist Church.

On Saturday they experienced the Best Fest compliments of the Knights of Columbus.  Everyone enjoyed the different sausages with sides dishes and the music.  Children on the other hand enjoyed the face and pumpkin painting and games.














Mike and Debbi McCurdy hosted a chuck wagon meal on Saturday evening with music provided by Soul Patch.  The warriors were welcomed to the event by a group of local friends the McCurdy's had invited. There was lots of conversation as the two groups got acquainted.

It was such a scenic view from the McCurdy ranch to see the hills in the distance, the deer grazing and the sun set.  Of course, God provided perfect weather.  Just what the soldiers needed—a quiet, relaxing, food filled evening.  I am sure they returned to their place of lodging ready for a good night's sleep.

 On Sunday they enjoyed exploring the local shops on their own before returning to San Antonio.

None of this would have happened but for the Generosity of the community.  We appreciate those who hosted the families in their B&B’s, Faith Baptist Church for the delicious Friday night dinner, the Knights of Columbus for once again waiving Best Fest entry fees, the McCurdy's who graciously hosted the chuck wagon dinner, Soul Patch for sharing their talent, and all the local residence who helped make the warriors feel welcome.  We are looking forward to our November R&R (11/14-11/16).

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