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Wounded warriors get heroes’ greeting at Lakeshore Foundation

Printed in yesterday’s Birmingham News:

Sandy Ballard waved a flag outside the Lakeshore Foundation tonight to give a group of veterans the greeting she said her loved ones did not receive when they came home from Vietnam.

“They need to see that people support them,” Ballard said.

About 450 people joined Ballard, a Bessemer resident, in welcoming a motorcade of classic cars carrying 35 veterans who suffered war injuries or have other disabilities, said Damian Veazey of the Lakeshore Foundation.

The former soldiers will be taking part in Lima Foxtrot — a program that includes activities such as rock climbing and scuba diving designed to help disabled military personnel.

The veterans said they were thrilled to be greeted by the flag-waving crowd.

“They say across America patriotism is dead. Actually, it’s not,” said Robert Silvia, a U.S. Navy petty officer 3rd class who served in the first Gulf War.

A genetic condition cost Silvia about 60 percent of his sight. His wife and two kids came from their home near Palm Springs, Calif., for the event, Silvia said.

Silvia said he was excited about the opportunity to fish and rock climb. “I’ve been gearing up for this for about four months,” Silvia said.

Marine Col. Don “Doc” Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient who serves on a board of veterans who aid Lakeshore in fundraising, said soldiers today are more likely to survive war wounds, but as a result those injuries are often more severe.

“Life is what they want to make of it,” Ballard said. “The only disability they have is the one in their minds. It’s up to them to look for ways to re-enter society and be more active.”

Tears For The Wounded Warriors

There’s a great editorial by Thomas Segel explaining why we should not only shed tears for fallen heroes, but also for our wounded warriors:

In war related news, both electronic and print media has been very detailed about reporting the death totals of American service personnel, the latest roadside bomb blasts and any military mistake. What is rarely reported are the feats of our heroes on the battlefield. Those very special heroes are not only the individuals who perform great acts of bravery, but also the men and women who give of their blood and endure unbelievable pain in defense of every person in this country.

Supporting our men and women in uniform means much more than placing a bumper sticker on the back of an SUV or flying the American Flag on selected holidays. It means we should really “care” about those who take up arms in defense of the nation. It means we should be doing everything humanly possible to ease the pain of those who will wear the scars of combat forever. And yes, it means we should not only mourn our war dead, but also shed tears for all the wounded warriors.

A very touching article. I hope you all will take the time to read it.

(H/T: Karie @ Wife of a Wounded Marine)

In the news this weekend

Printed in the Eufaula Tribune this weekend:

Teresa and James Orr recently traveled with their family and friends to Parris Island, S.C. to watch their son, James E. Orr, graduate from the U.S. Marine Corps boot camp.

The graduation was held Friday, Aug. 7. Orr has been at boot camp for the past three month. The Orr’s also got to attend family day on the Thursday before graduation.

“We were so glad to see him on family day,” said Teresa. Though she said they received lost of letters and one phone call from him while he was at Parris Island, seeing her son face to face after three months was a joy for this proud mother.

“We will never forget this incredible memory of our son graduating from the Marine Corps,” she said. “We are very proud of him!”

Many of their friends and relatives also attended the graduation, including Mr. and Mrs. Fred McWaters, James’ sister, Summer Orr, Jaclyn Williams, Shelby Williams, Jada Whitman and Nicole Richardson.

James will leave on Aug. 24 and go to North Carolina for 2 1/2 months to attend infantry school. After school, he will go to California.

Congratulations, James!