Walter Reed FReep #106: Healers and Heroes (Special early start time this Friday; Update at #34)

4/30/2007 | PleaDeal

[tgslTakoma]

Terrific report, PleaDeal; thanks for all the hard work composing it. I was wondering who the military man was who pulled his car over (I was across the street), hopped out and gave you a great big hug. I thought he was somebody you knew.

That's a great thing about our weekly WRAMC Support Our Troops mini rallies; we meet so many new people who quickly become friends. God Bless Col. Moores and soldier Howard S., our newest-found friends at WRAMC.

I'll also add this little recollection from last Friday... Kristinn and I were the early arrivals (hard to believe, I know), and had just begun assembling and raising our flags when a young man pulled up in his convertible (it was a great night for driving with the top down) and asked us if we were having a fundraiser, thinking we were with the church right by our location. Kristinn explained that we were just a bunch of folks who come out every Friday night to say "Thank you" to our troops at Walter Reed and their families. This young man said, "OUTSTANDING! That's terrific!" and he continued, telling us that his kid sister was in Iraq now and that he got back from Iraq last year (USMC). We thanked him and his sister for their service and sacrifice, and before he drove away, he thanked us for being there and for "giving a damn."

No matter where we are, we need to remind our local service members and their families that we all "give a damn" about them... A smile and a thank you, a handshake, a hug, buy their movie tickets or pay their tab at a restaurant... let them know that we honor them and their mission.

God Bless them and Keep them all safe.

[JoyjoyfromNJ]

PleaDeal, great write up, as always. And I appreciated the tie-in to the Esquire article. Just a few months ago, their cover article (and cover photo) was one of our heroes who is a triple amputee. (Said hero has a name, I just can’t remember it.)

And last, but not least, it’s great to see BillF in so many of the photos—making up for missed freeps I guess :-)

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[BufordP]

Morning bump!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Wounded Warrior Howard S. is quite the talker and I enjoyed every minute of it. He has a wonderful attitude and great plans for the future. His wound was in the throat area and as a result his wind pipe involuntarily closes. Friday night was not the case. Later he crossed the street and had long conversation with Laura Bush.

At the end of the evening Laura and Howard in the midst of the teardown turmoil had a quiet prayer. I was very touched by the scene.

[\/\/ayne]

West Point infantry officer and brain surgeon? What a guy! Reminds me of Tucson's SWAT Police Officer and surgeon Dr. Richard Carmona who became Surgeon General. I'm glad men like this are on our side. Thank you, Dr. Moore for your hard work on behalf of our country and Armed Services!

[Landry Fan]

bump

[Doctor Raoul]

Perry seems to think that the fireplug is a disabled vet. He gave it that sign to "hold".

[pissant]

Wow. Great pics, once again. Thank you ALL for doing this very, very important duty.

[PleaDeal]

Hi Landry!!!!!! Big ‘ol BUMP back atcha!

[PleaDeal]

I was wondering who the military man was who pulled his car over (I was across the street), hopped out and gave you a great big hug. I thought he was somebody you knew.

Never seen him before in my life -- I'm just greedy and a mere handshake won't do when giving thanks to anyone in uniform!

Thanks for adding the early evening story of the Marine and for assuring him that we definitely "give a damn" about him and his sister. OOORAH!

[wita]

I need to feel Gratitude, humility, edified, uplifted far beyond normal, (and who doesn’t). I need tears flowing freely in regards our boys and what is being done for them, after all they have done for us.

I need to engage in just a little WR Freep read for that much needed weekly soar with eagles.

It is almost painful to read anything related to the original reasons for the Freep at WR, the PINKO’S. One might also include most congressional dems on the painful pity list, but not our brave warriors.

Once again freeper diligence at WR has unlocked stories needing to be told, uplifted others far beyond the street corners at WR.

So thanks and thanks again, you who go the extra mile, Just can’t believe it is one hundred six and counting.

[Landry Fan]

Hi Plea Deal. Keep up the good work with the reports and with your blog.

[kristinn]

We'll be starting the Walter Reed freep early this Friday so that those attending the MilBlog conference can freep with us before their reception Friday night.

We'll be starting at 5 p.m. this Friday only, and finish up a our usual time.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

We'll be starting the Walter Reed freep early this Friday so that those attending the MilBlog conference can freep with us before their reception Friday night.

What the heck! When was that announced? I bet you, BufordP and Kathy I discussed the early start last Saturday in Olney; didn't you?

[kristinn]

No. I spoke about it with Andi today. The MilBloggers are having a reception at 8 p.m. at their hotel in Arlington on Friday. We thought it would help the milbloggers who wanted to spend some with us at Walter Reed to start early this one time.

[BufordP]

You think he tells ME anything in advance? PSHAW!

[PleaDeal]

Thanks for the heads-up! We had lots of people skip the FRreep last year because it conflicted with the Milblog reception. I hope to see a BIIIIIIIG crowd come out May 4th!

[Albion Wilde]

Wonderful report, PleaDeal! Thank you so much for your usual excellent reporting and photographs. The breakdown photo cited by freema and the other one like it have your unique feeling for color.

[freema]

Striking, isn’t it!