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VFW Post returns to Walter Reed
(by Kathryn A. Burger - May 07, 2008)
“While we are the messengers, the generosity of the people of the
Pascack
Valley is the catalyst that makes this happen.” This is how William Huston of VFW Post 8946 sums up the ongoing success of the post’s “Wounded Warrior Program.”
Post members make one-day round-trip visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., bringing with them “wish list” items that service personnel recovering from injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan have requested. Just as important though is the support and understanding the post members – all veterans of World War II and/or the Korean War – offer while visiting the wounded at their bedsides, often with family members present.
The group’s most recent trip in April was again made possible by donations from the community. For this trip, they were able to purchase 125 sets of “wick” clothing made of special material that removes moisture from the skin and brings it to the outside surface of the fabric where it dries quickly. This type of garment helps to keep the wounded more comfortable while they are confined to bed. They were also able to purchase portable DVD-video players and DVD movies for those confined to their rooms. Huston said, “These items make their days more enjoyable. Time is what they have plenty of and the day becomes very long for them,” when there are few distractions. “Keeping their minds occupied is a form of good medicine,” he said.
Last month’s trip was to Walter Reed where they visited the orthopedic wards. “The wounded soldiers and Marines are the main casualties of roadside bombs or suicide bombers,” Huston said. Once again, the post members visited with wounded and their families. “One thing that is a constant is their remarkable attitude and their desire to finish the job they were given,” Huston said.
The post members were heartened to hear about one soldier – a 24-year-old – who lost his legs in battle and is rehabilitating at Walter Reed. “This young man has been invited to be in the ‘pits’ at the
Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day. He is a racecar enthusiast,” Huston said, and has been at Walter Reed since July of last year. He hopes to go home this December. “We know that others have been invited to major league baseball games to throw the first pitch. People across the nation have opened up their hearts to them. This is their way to say ‘thank you’ for defending our way of life.”
Last year, the post made four trips to visit the wounded. And, with the continued support of the community, hope to match or better that record this year. Each May, VFW and American Legion posts distribute red poppies and solicit donations to support their individual programs that serve veterans and active duty service personnel. VFW Post 8946 will use the funds they raise this month to purchase items for the recovering soldiers and Marines.
Of the monetary support the post has received from the community, Huston said, “I hope they understand how important they have been to the wounded men and women at Walter Reed and the
Naval
Medical
Center .” The post is committed to continuing the program for as long as it can, because, as Huston puts it, “It’s not about us. It’s about them.”
Donations in any amount to support the ‘Wounded Warrior Program’ are welcome. Checks, payable to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8946, can be mailed to the post at: PO Box 8523, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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