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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THANK YOU, THANK YOU

It was a beautiful day for lunch on the patio at West End Pizza.  There was a varity of pizza, spaghetti with meat balls, another delicious pasta and salads available on the buffet.  If you left hungry it was your own fault. There were lots of raffel items and some silent auction treasures all donated by local busines and/or residents. 

 Wounded Warriors at Nebo (WWAN) is so blessed to have supporters like Janet & Hal Degenhardt.  This is the third year they have held this event to raise funds that help us provide respite to the wounded, injured and ill and their families. Of course for the event to be sucessful requires people to attend and be generous.  And you WERE!! Thank you for your continued support!!

WWAN team members with Janet & Hal

A surprise guest was Ms. U.S.A.  Earth.  She is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Last year as Ms. Texas she happened to be in town, heard about the event and joined us.  It was great to see her again.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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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

Company A's Day Out aka Expanding the Ministry

In the beginning of this ministry we believed our mission was to minister to the wounded, injured  and ill.  Then, through experience and talking with the soldiers, care providers and chaplain, events were expanded to include the warrior's family.  You see, there were numerous offers of hunting & fishing trips, activities like bowling, skiing, golf, etc. all directed at the warrior; but very little for the family to experience as a family unit. So we started focusing on the entire family when planning events.  It is amazing how many times we have heard "It's great to be able to do things as a family" or "It's so seldom we get to getaway and play as a family", etc.  Thankfully we never stop learning and listening to God.

Over the past couple of years it has become apparent that the warriors are not the only ones needing a break and to be "loved on". Chaplain Ginsburg has helped us to understand that the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) staff  need a break now and then also.  You see, they walk side by side with the wounded, injured and ill through their physical and mental healing, therapy, frustrations and victories.  They insure the warriors get to their appointments, help guide them through the WTB maze and offer moral support and friendship. Staff share some of the stress and frustrations of the warriors especially those who were once wounded themselves.

While the wounded, injured and ill have priority for attending WWAN events, we have been including staff to fill events.  Then last September we sponsored a "Chaplain's Day Out".  Recently some of the WTB commanders asked if we would coordinate an event specifically for staff and their family members.  After much discussion and prayer we agreed.

Stacy Johnson & Nancy Russell with breakfast items

On July 31st at least forty (40) staff members from Company A, WTB and family members traveled to the Lazy U Ranch, Seguin, TX for a day of play and renewal.  The 100 acre ranch which is bordered by the Guadeloupe River and Lake Placid provides an ideal area for kayaking and other water sports or just splashing around.  There are also lots of trails for bicycling and hiking.   For those wanting something less physical, board games, archery and bean bag toss are available.

As participants arrived they picked up breakfast items and headed to the pavilion to see who was there and what was going on.

 

Cyclists cruising

  It wasn't long before the self defense instructors had a class going, cyclists were cruising around the ranch, archery lessons and lots of games were in progress.

Learning Basic moves for Self Defense

Godly Grilliers

Soon the Godly Grillers arrived and started cooking sausage and chicken for lunch.  The Godly Grillers are a volunteer group from  Community Bible Church in San Antonio (check out their Facebook page CBC-Godly-Grilliers).  They are a generous fun bunch of guys in addition to being good cooks.


  

As we were finishing lunch the kayaks arrived from Olympic Outdoor Center in San Marcos.  Thanks to Ben Kvanli for donating their use.

Brad passing out Koloches

Saying thank you is not nearly enough to express our appreciation to Brad Bowen, Adaptive Sports Military Program.  He arranged for the kayaks, bicycles, instructors for archery and self defense.  There's probably more that I'm missing but it's safe to say that Brad "Made It Happen".  On top of that Brad is simply a nice man who cares.



Of course Craig and Nancy Russell, Lazy U owners, were right in the middle of all the activities making everyone feel welcome and sharing the history of the ranch and memorial.  Thank you for making your ranch available for recreational activities for the military and creating the SS American Memorial. 

To see more photographs of the event like us on facebook.com/ww.nebo 

Forgivness Retreat (June 12-14, 2015)

Couples and families gathered at the Inn on Baron's Creek in Fredericksburg for a weekend of counseling, companionship and relaxation.  Chaplain (CPT) Rob Ginsburg and his assistant SPC Christain Beckett MEDCOM BAMC, WTB, FSH TX had prepared an agenda designed to inspire families to grow in the areas of forgiveness and effective communication. 

After registration Friday evening, families gathered for a nice meal together, door prizes and games.

Saturday morning the children were picked up and taken to Bethany Lutheran Church for activities and snacks while their parents were in session with the chaplain.

Families were reunited at the church for a delicious lunch and were presented with gift bags.

At 4p.m. the children were returned to the church to be cared for by Aloha Sitters, a professional child care business.  This freed parents up for a 6 hour "date night".  They had options to go to the Rock Box, WWII Museum of the Pacific, a movie, explore the town or just relax.

Classes inspired soldiers and their families to understand, communicate and support each other strengthening relationships.  Couples were encouraged to live a life of continual forgiveness. 

The generosity of Bethany Lutheran Church in large part is what made this retreat successful.  They provided child care, allowed Aloha Sitter's to use their facilities, fed everyone, provided beautiful gift bags full of goodies and visited with the families making them feel welcome. Thank You Church!!

Some of Bethany's "Kitchen Help"

Getting Acquainted

Sunday morning Chaplain Ginsburg provided the sermon at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church for both the 9 and 11:10 services.

More photos from this event are on www.Facebook/ww.nebo.com

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!!

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).

Like us on facebook for more photos from the weekend.  Blessings

Summer's Over

Susan with grandchildren

Vacation was wonderful but now it's over.  It was great being able to travel and get in quality Grandma Time.  But in the same respect it's good to get back to serving those have given so much for us so we can celebrate family and travel freely through this beautiful country.

A day out at Lazy U Ranch, Seguin, on August 22 was the beginning of a new exciting year of events designed around criteria addressing needs identified through discussions with the chaplain, company commanders, enlisted personnel and recently retired veterans.  While the wounded, injured & ill have been and will continue to be our primary focus we will be including more staff.  For example, the September 5th event was for chaplains who can suffer from compassion fatigue in addition to the challenges of everyday life.

Company B Outing 8/22/14

It's going to be interesting to see where GOD leads us.  Wondering what I mean?  Well several things are happening.  First, the Caron Foundation has approached us about helping them with couples' retreats in this area.  Caron is well established in Pennsylvania as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.   They have developed a new couples counseling program open to veterans (both active and retired) focusing on challenges unique to them.  We have at least two couples scheduled to attend the first Texas retreat this December. Their evaluation and feedback along with that of a local counselor will help in our decision making.  Second, when the ministry first began we hoped for 6 - 8 wounded warriors at an event.  Now, depending on housing and funds, we have to limit the numbers to 30. The ministry is also looking at possibly increasing the number of day events hosted as that would increase the number of people we can give a break and expose to the love of GOD.  Several medically retired soldiers who experienced R&Rs and other ministry activities while in treatment have encouraged us to keep in contact with participants who've retired.  They may be retired but they still need love and stress re-leasers.

The support and generosity of this community is what enables Wounded Warriors at Nebo to continue the ministry. Each time there is an event it is a reflection of you all.  Thank you seems inadequate but it will have to suffice.  THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Like us on http://www.facebook/ww.nebo and see photos and information on all our events.  

Archery Tournament

 Dustin Jones recruited seven soldiers and his son Justin  to come to Fredericksburg on Saturday September 20th for an archery tournament sponsored by the Fredericksburg Archery Club. The group enjoyed an evening BBQ and spent the night at Karl and Mary Ranslaben's " White House."

 Several went for a night drive after dinner and were treated to seeing some good wildlife. After a big breakfast Sunday morning, they went to the Kowert Ranch to participate in a 3D archery tourney- for some their first competition. Dustin said it was a "great bunch of people" and a "very laid back and fun tournament." He said it was perfect for  the newbies. David Feller, archery club president, waived the entry fee and the club also treated the group to lunch afterwards. We had given them money for lunch, so Dustin decided to donate that money back to the club in the form or raffle tickets. Several of the soldiers won prizes- that is a win-win-win scenario!!!!  

Dustin has a giving spirit. He works with wounded warriors helping them adjust to their new normal and reintegration. The warriors respond to him because he's one of them and he won't take no for an answer. Keep up the good work Dustin!!

Whimsical Design

 Last Tuesday Lisa was the card designer/teacher at WFSC.  Her cards are so whimsical and this was no exception.  We had a choice of bright pink or turquoise for the base. Then everyone selected their own colors for the flowers.  There was no punch for flowers so they were all hand cut.

Lisa explaining next step

Youngest Student

Getting Personal Instrructions

Trying to finish cards so can have lunch

Explaining Wounded Warriors at Nebo activities

Finally Finished!

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Company B's Day Out

The company I worked for (many years ago) would issue challenges to see which department could operate for a specified time with the least number of accidents or similar things specific to our department and/or job.  In addition to recognition, the winner received a prize.  Likewise, the WTB (Warrior Transition Battalion) challenges the companies (A, B & C) periodically.  Challenges involve several items relative to their jobs with specific criteria for each.  The company excelling in meeting the criteria are rewarded. Company B (Bravo) was the winner earlier this year.  They requested a day out at Lazy U Ranch. Everything finally came together on Friday, August 22.

Breakfast snacks

Sharon, Susan & I arrived at 8 a.m. to find some wounded warriors, case workers and staff already there setting up tables and ice chests full of water.  They helped us unload the donuts and other breakfast snacks.

More people arriving

All the time more people were arriving.  We ended up with approximately 60 including spouses and children.







There was fishing, bean bag toss, kayaking, chess, scrabble, dominoes and other board games.  Or one could just relax, watch the water or watch the grass grow. Lt. Johansen encouraged all the warriors to participate in several activities.  He said to put a check mark beside their name on the sign in sheet every time they completed an activity.  At the end of the day everyone with 5 check marks would be put in a drawing for a prize to be announced at the time of the drawing. (One night's lodging in Fredericksburg.)

As it got closer to noon and became obvious not everyone was able to attend due to appointments, some called spouses to come join the outing.  Davila's Barbeque catered lunch for us.  They served promptly at noon.  It was a nice surprise to have green beans and parsley potatoes rather than slaw and beans.  Very good food and friendly people.

We loaded up the car and left for home a little before two.  The "party" was still going strong.



Special Thanks to:
 Craig Russell who so generously shares the ranch with veterans both active and retired.
 Ben Kvanli, Olympic Outdoor Center in San Markos, who provided kayaks for the event.

Go To Facebook.com/ww.nebo for lots more photos.