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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Chaplain's Get a Break

When I hear "Chaplain" I think of them ministering to the sick, wounded, troubled, etc.  Chaplain Ginsburg explained that a constant diet of this causes Compassion Fatigue.  In other words they need a break!  That's just what they got.

A day of refreshing, relaxing and renewal was enjoyed by the Chaplains of BAMC.

The Wounded Warriors at Nebo hosted the chaplains at Craig Russell's Lazy U Ranch in Seguin on Friday, September 5.  There were 31 chaplains and family members present.

The quiet outdoors nestled near Lake Placid not only enabled some to sit quietly by the water and catch up on reading scripture but also enabled some to kayak and swim on that lazy stream of water.  Others enjoyed archery, washers, ball toss, chess, scrabble and just plain visiting.

The Seguin First Baptist Church provided a delicious lunch of brisket with all the trimmings  Oh and don't forget those wonderful deserts!

We look forward to our next event at Lazy U Ranch.

Like us on Facebook and see all the pictures of the Chaplain's Day Out.

Back from Japan

Dottie, Margie, Jackie, Susan

This past Tuesday was especially exciting.  The first student to our first card making class at WFSC stopped by to see us.  Margie Youngblood was on her way to her new assignment in Kentucky.  She was deployed to Japan December, 2012 and just recently reassigned. She became not only a friend but a guide through the "system".  It's really good to have her back in the states.

Saying Goodbye to the Burgess Family

Sharon Massey, Dan & Genette on R&R weekend

Last Monday, May 19, Dan Burgess' retirement ceremony was held at WFSC (Warrior Family Support Center).  Jackie Heupel, Susan Quindry & I were on the road early so we wouldn't be late.  Dan, Genette, Kaylee & Gracie have become family to us.  You see, Genette & Dan have been making cards with us since about the third or fourth class we taught at WFSC.  About 20 minutes into that class this guy with a great smile rolls into the room totally disrupting the class.  Genette introduced him and he is very proud of the fact that he signed her up for the class.  Seems Genette is an avid card maker and was unable to bring her supplies with her.  That was the beginning of a great relationship.  We dubbed Dan our "Poster Boy". No matter what was going on with him medically, he always had a great smile and of course a wise crack.  One of the first things he told us was "If you ladies want to lose weight really fast, step on an IED".  You can imagine what it was like once he got to know us.

This was the first retirement ceremony I've seen and for me it was moving.  We learned that Dan had been:

• medically discharged once before but wanted to continue to serve his country so he joined the Reserves and was deployed to Afghanistan;
• wounded by his encounter with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan with the 350th Psychological Operations Company.

Genette was also recognized for her devotion to taking care of Dan and for the help she has been to WFSC, Fisher House & the battalion.  One of the things she did was testify in Washington D.C. regarding the inequities of benefits for wounded reservists.  They do not get the same benefits as an enlisted wounded soldier.

Colonel Edwards presenting Medal

Congratulations & Presentation of Flag

After the speakers were finished and had presented Dan with a medal, an American flag and several certificates, it was Dan's turn.

He called his "girls" up with him and acknowledged he couldn't have gotten through everything without them thanking them for putting up with him even when he was difficult. It was so wonderful to see the love these four people have for each other.

Susan & Jackie with Dan

Then Dan recognized people in the audience who had been instrumental in his treatment & recovery, i.e. trauma nurses, Judith Markeltz, etc.  There were many more but my memory is short.

Gracie, Kaylee, Jackie & Susan

When he was finished and everyone had a chance to tell the family congratulations and goodbye the ceremony moved inside for cake and punch.

Dan actually cut the cake with LOTS of Supervision

Dan, Genette, Kaylee and Gracie we will miss you but are so excited for you and your new adventure in Florida.  GOD Bless you and keep you safe.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ww.nebo to see more photos.  Thanks go to the military photographers who shared some photos with us.

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

Matching Funds For Wounded Warrior Event

An anonymous donor has said they will match funds donated up to $500.  The money will be used to offset housing costs for the R&R weekend in Fredericksburg March 21-23. This R&R coincides with Spring Break so guest houses and B&Bs we normally use are not available.

Housing may also be a problem for the April R&R.  It falls on the same weekend as the annual Wildflower Run and April is also a very busy time for the B&B/Guest House business. In addition, our first Adaptive Sports Military event will be in April.   Debbie and Mike McCurdy have agreed to match your donation dollar for dollar up to $500.

Don't let this opportunity to double your contribution slip by!!

Make your checks payable to FUMC-WWAN (Fredericksburg United Methodist Church-Wounded Warriors at Nebo) and send them to FUMC at 1800 N. Llano, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or you can take your check to the office Monday - Thursday between 8am & 5pm and Friday 8am to Noon.  On line donations can also be made.  See the sidebar on this post for instructions.

THANK YOU for your support!!!

Catching Up!!

My Goodness! I feel like Ichabod Crane -  Like I just woke up from a long nap. I didn't realize how long it's been since we posted!!  We'll try to do better.  Right now let's get up to date.

November R&R (25-27)

 All but one of the warriors coming out for the November R&R weekend wanted to go fishing.  So we contacted Erin Jenschke Smith and got permission to fish their lake (it’s where the bass tournament was held).  

Ashley, Jeremiah & Kyle tempting fish.

It was very windy and all bank fishing but three fish were caught and everyone had fun.  Ashley got off to a rocky start when she startled a snake sunning on the dock. It didn’t stop her from enjoying the day.

One of two fish Kyle caught

 

Using vehicles as shelter from wind

At lunch time we were trying to keep the picnic lunch Bethany Lutheran Church provided from blowing away.  Finally one of the guys said, “Let’s take it over behind the cars.  That’s the way we do it in the field”.  

Ken joined us after an early AM bike ride.

Just as we started lunch Ken joined us.  He had gotten up early to join a group of bicyclists riding from Boerne to San Antonio.  





Susan Quindry took Sandra antiquing while everyone else was fishing.  They found lots of treasures.
  

Sandra examines a treasure

Daniel, Kyle & Chris

During the free time prior to dinner several of the warriors had fun hanging out downtown.

Kyle, Sandra & Chris

Sometimes you just have to let that inner child out to play!!

The Crew at Dinner

Everyone enjoyed dinner at Fredericksburg Brewing Co. Good food, Good Company.

WWAN team members Mary Cosgrave, Susan Quindry & husband Charlie and Sharon Massey joined the warriors for dinner.








December R&R (6-8)

To say Mother Nature didn't cooperate is an understatement.  We were so excited that 42 people (warriors/families) had signed up to come out for the weekend.  The big draw was Fredericksburg's Christmas Parade. When planning this weekend we recognized that parade night/day has sometimes been cold or rainy but always tolerable.  This year was brutally cold!    Well, 27 brave souls came out anyway. We met at Zion Luthern church for a catered dinner.

Chris, Daniel & Sandra

 

The Carr Family

Charles Quindry, Wayne Massey & Curtis Woodard

Then everyone bundled up and covered up with blankets to watch the parade. 

The Carr Family

Sandra momentarily joins parade

Warriors went to their cabins/housing after the parade seeking warmth.  What some found was more cold and frozen pipes so they had to move to hotels. 

KinderFest

The next day was still cold but several hardy souls took their children to the Pioneer Museum for the Kinderfest event. 

Mr. & Mrs. Claus were there. In addition, there was caroling, crafts and children made Christmas stockings.

We Made Christmas Stockings

Others went ice skating and enjoyed Markt Platz and downtown.  

  

The Carr Family

Lunch was at West End Pizza (Owners are  the same family that did a major fund raiser for us in October). Thanks for the support and a great deal on the pizzas!! 

Waiting for Pizza

Dinner was a pot luck provided by Fredericksburg United Methodist Church members.  Pot Luck says it all.  They out did themselves.  After eating, everyone piled into the church van and went to Trinity Lutheran Church on RR 1 for some scrumptious desserts.  Then back on the van for a tour of the Johnson City Christmas lights. 

Bee

Here's a shout out to Bee Bennett who drove the church van. 

 Perhaps you have noticed there is no mention of breakfast for either R&R weekend.  That's because with individual cabins/accommodations we put burritos (faithfully furnished by South Church), yogurt, etc. in refrigerators at the warriors quarters.  This allows them to sleep as late as they want and eat at their leisure.  This is just one of several changes WWAN has made based on feedback and experience with the warriors.  Another is changing the "Respite Weekend" to R&R.  Seems respite was sending the wrong message - some thought it was for cancer patients.  Everyone knows what R&R means and we are getting a lot more participation.

There are a LOT more photos of these events (and all of the others) on facebook.  Go to facebook.com/ww.nebo  Photos are arranged in albums by event.  

Well, that gets us up to January, 2014.  I'll get the blog for last weekend's couples retreat posted in the next couple of days.

Be Blessed

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!!

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.