Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:03:55 +0000
From: loumisgm@yahoo.com
To: loumicsm@yahoo.com
Subject: Return from trips
Am back - if you needed a reply for anything, or I forgot to do something, let me know on email. Visited Europe/Mideast on last cruise ship into Israel before the turmoil started. Latest trip with 46th SF Company (Abn) Assn) for Wounded Warriors to the Eastern Caribbean aboard Regal Princess. This was the fifth cruise arranged by the 46th SF Assn, fourth veterans cruise for Betty and I.
Was pleasantly impressed with the comments of those with wounds from combat and combat training that placed them into a long period of surgeries, and recovery along with prosthetic fittings and physical therapy. A notable improvement has been seen by these heroes at our military medical centers and their local VA Medical Centers in the past two to three years.
Due to available funds, only twelve warriors and spouses could be invited this cruise. It takes about two years for the 46th to raise funds for this, the fifth cruise sponsored. It would be nice if the next cruise could accomodate the previous number of 24 warriors aboard. This year, the twelve were 11 Army (3 active duty), and one Marine. Our Marine can be viewed on utube being reunited with his bomb-sniffing dog, Spike. Goggle search for Spike Service Dog should get you there..
One of our local Wounded Warriors was sponsored by our local VVA Chapter 1076, Henderson-Boulder City. Blaine Sullivan, 101st Airborne Division veteran along with the other guests wish to thank all locally for their support. We hope to invite more local Wounded Warriors and those in treatment at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego on the next cruise..
Of note was the dedication of the spouses aboard. They are taxed as caregivers to the warriors, particularly after surgeries. One Warrior, has had 32 surgeries with two more scheduled. 32 pints of blood plus plasma saved him from his injury site in Afghanistan, thru a field hospital, Landstuhl Medical Center and Walter Reed. One spouse saved her husband by intervening in a post surgery event at a civilian hospital - her training and experience as a Critical Care Nurse was the key to educating medical staff unfamiliar with his type of wounds.
Retired US Army SF CSM Billy Cason, assisted by Edie English, widowed spouse of a veteran and Leslie, a lady amputee herself arranged arranged a nice vacation for guest Wounded Warriors and their spouses. CSM Cason also arranged a welcome for our groups on St. Thomas, USVI by the 73d Army Band, and other National Guard members along with a tour arranged by the local American Legion Post and VFW members.that included a fine luncheon as their guests. Billy Cason is the primary fund raiser and planner for the 46th Association Wounded Warrior Cruise program.
Would appreciate any information readers might have on local organizations that might be willing to join in sponsoring those Wounded Warrior Veterans and Spouses moving through the stresses of recovery with a bit of vacation and a big thank you for their service and sacrifices..
Lou
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