“Thank you for protecting us, thank you for my freedom, thank you for keeping us safe and thank you for your sacrifices.” Those were the words I said to our troops as I saw them on July 31st, 2008 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Wash...ington, D.C.
What did I see you might ask? “I saw the price of freedom that our brave men and women pay for us.” I saw shattered and lost limbs. I talked to soldiers in physical and emotional pain from their injuries and after multiple surgeries. One young soldier of 23 lost his right leg and had just had his 25th surgery, and yet his attitude was remarkably positive. I heard their dramatic stories of survival, the lost lives of comrades and their yearning to return to the battlefield to be with them. I talked to over 35 soldiers who told of the heroism on the battlefield and how they sustained their injuries. Those with injuries had similar attitudes: “I can’t wait to get back to my unit;” “I’d go back and help finish the fight if I could;” “We are winning the war on terrorism;” “The media is not reporting the positive and good that we are doing only the negative;” “We do not want to quit;” “We do not want a pull out;” “We need to stay the course;” “Several countries attempted many times to battle against terrorism with no success, it is the United States that is beating them, we are winning and we are so close;” “If we pull out now what was my injury or the death of my comrades for?” They told of the changes made in Iraq for the citizens and how they are able to be free to live. They go to school, have jobs, the vehicle traffic increased because they are able to drive around without fear. They are in control of their lives. Yes, there is a price that is paid for freedom!
My visit to Walter Reed was to deliver words of encouragement, hope and inspiration along with board games to our troops in Ward 57. I expected to have someone at Walter Reed receive and deliver for me 1) my card with an inspirational verse that I wrote called “Helping Others” combined with my photograph of the American flag and a message of thanks and best wishes for a good recovery to the troops and 2) my donation of Great New Games™ fun and educational board games to their family room. What I did not expect was to have the honor and privilege of personally delivering and talking with our very own American Heroes and their families. I feel so blessed and honored to have met these brave men and women that are fighting for us. Anyone could have the same awesome experience of helping those who help us. Visit with our soldiers, send letters and cards of support or items of need.
My verbal message to each soldier that I greeted was, “I would like to thank you for serving our country and keeping us safe so that I can visit my family and friends and go to college. I appreciate your sacrifice so that I can have these freedoms. I would like to give you something that I wrote to say thank you” (I gave them my verse).
We also visited the Mologne House there on base. The Mologne House is a military hotel for the soldiers to live with their families after their release from Ward 57 but still requiring intensive therapies. We were told that the Malone House needs all kinds of items for the families such as activities to do while they stay. There is a community table in the lobby where anyone can leave items of need. We left my cards and more Great New Games™.
The reaction from all of the soldiers was overwhelming. Their spirit and drive was unbelievable. The continued strength and loyalty to all of us is at the very least to be commended. I felt so grateful to have been inspired and encouraged by such brave Americans. Imagine - they were grateful to me for coming to see them, wow!
Thank You for helping all of us in America to have our freedoms.
I appreciate the sacrifices you have made.
You are America’s special heroes.
All my thanks and best wishes for a good recovery.
~Jon SeysterSee More
What did I see you might ask? “I saw the price of freedom that our brave men and women pay for us.” I saw shattered and lost limbs. I talked to soldiers in physical and emotional pain from their injuries and after multiple surgeries. One young soldier of 23 lost his right leg and had just had his 25th surgery, and yet his attitude was remarkably positive. I heard their dramatic stories of survival, the lost lives of comrades and their yearning to return to the battlefield to be with them. I talked to over 35 soldiers who told of the heroism on the battlefield and how they sustained their injuries. Those with injuries had similar attitudes: “I can’t wait to get back to my unit;” “I’d go back and help finish the fight if I could;” “We are winning the war on terrorism;” “The media is not reporting the positive and good that we are doing only the negative;” “We do not want to quit;” “We do not want a pull out;” “We need to stay the course;” “Several countries attempted many times to battle against terrorism with no success, it is the United States that is beating them, we are winning and we are so close;” “If we pull out now what was my injury or the death of my comrades for?” They told of the changes made in Iraq for the citizens and how they are able to be free to live. They go to school, have jobs, the vehicle traffic increased because they are able to drive around without fear. They are in control of their lives. Yes, there is a price that is paid for freedom!
My visit to Walter Reed was to deliver words of encouragement, hope and inspiration along with board games to our troops in Ward 57. I expected to have someone at Walter Reed receive and deliver for me 1) my card with an inspirational verse that I wrote called “Helping Others” combined with my photograph of the American flag and a message of thanks and best wishes for a good recovery to the troops and 2) my donation of Great New Games™ fun and educational board games to their family room. What I did not expect was to have the honor and privilege of personally delivering and talking with our very own American Heroes and their families. I feel so blessed and honored to have met these brave men and women that are fighting for us. Anyone could have the same awesome experience of helping those who help us. Visit with our soldiers, send letters and cards of support or items of need.
My verbal message to each soldier that I greeted was, “I would like to thank you for serving our country and keeping us safe so that I can visit my family and friends and go to college. I appreciate your sacrifice so that I can have these freedoms. I would like to give you something that I wrote to say thank you” (I gave them my verse).
We also visited the Mologne House there on base. The Mologne House is a military hotel for the soldiers to live with their families after their release from Ward 57 but still requiring intensive therapies. We were told that the Malone House needs all kinds of items for the families such as activities to do while they stay. There is a community table in the lobby where anyone can leave items of need. We left my cards and more Great New Games™.
The reaction from all of the soldiers was overwhelming. Their spirit and drive was unbelievable. The continued strength and loyalty to all of us is at the very least to be commended. I felt so grateful to have been inspired and encouraged by such brave Americans. Imagine - they were grateful to me for coming to see them, wow!
Thank You for helping all of us in America to have our freedoms.
I appreciate the sacrifices you have made.
You are America’s special heroes.
All my thanks and best wishes for a good recovery.
~Jon SeysterSee More
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