On March 24th Debbie and I traveled to Washington D.C, on the last leg of a project that was started many months ago that included many different people. I don’t think at the time she nor I had any idea of the lasting effect it would have on us. The project started as an idea to make some lap quilts that would eventually be presented to "Wounded Warriors" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). She presented the idea to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, of Matthew Cleary Post 255, Caledonia, from there it took off. It was decided that the elementary school would be involved by having each child put a painted hand print in rows, and thumb prints in the upper left hand corner. This would represent the stars and stripes on our National Colors. The kids from each class had their own flag and signed a piece of fabric that would become the quilt backing. On fabrication day at the school I took Kris Mitchell to the school to see the whole operation. SSGT Mitchell is a Cal-Mum graduate and a "Wounded Warrior" from our home town. He was home for a visit from WRAMC. The kids really took pride and interest in what they were doing. After the hand painting of the stars and stripes, the quilts were given to six different ladies in the community who volunteered to machine quilt them in their own personal way. I was amazed at how quickly and beautiful they showed their talents. Two of these ladies were Auxiliary members. Another lady in Caledonia heard of the project and offered to make four more quilts for the "Wounded Warriors". Time was getting closer for their trip to WRAMC, but the quilts stayed on display at the school elementary Library. Debbie was put in contact with Linda Rasnake at WRAMC and she was made aware of the project. Linda was excited and wanted to help in any way possible. Linda is in charge of Family Support Services at WRAMC. The work she does at WRAMC can never have a price put on it. She has a very rewarding job, but I believe highly emotional. WRAMC is a beautiful Army Base on Georgia Avenue in Washington. Security is tight as you can imagine. We met Linda in the morning and met a few of the Officers in her building. They too were excited about the project. My wife and I were treated with the utmost respect by everyone that we met. Linda had decided on the "Wounded Warriors" that were able to receive the quilts. We then left for the hospital itself. What a beautiful, clean and well run operation. Throughout the day we were let into places that I’m sure not many civilians ever get to see. We went to the rooms of the "Wounded Warriors" that were to receive the quilts and were introduced to the recipients and some family members. My wife explained to each one where the quilted had came from and how they were manufactured. It was a very emotional day and I give my wife a lot of credit to be able to stand there and present these quilts. It was one of the hardest thing this old Viet Nam veteran has done, but a very proud time for both of us. One thing that was consistent was the Thanks that these "Wounded Warriors" offered to my wife. The last quilt was presented to SSGT Kris Mitchell who is an outpatient staying on base with his wife Trish and family. Kris has been wounded 3 times by IED’s in Iraq and has been awarded two Purple Hearts. SSGT Mitchell has been serving proudly with the 10th Mountain Division. Kris was very happy and proud to have received one of the quilts, he was not expecting it. It was nice to have spent time with the Mitchell family and visit WRAMC. The facility is really a special place and in no way deserved the negative press that it received a year ago by the politicians and the news media. This concludes this report. We want to thank all of the kids and people that made this project successful. It was an eye opening and emotional experience for both of us. We would like to offer a very "Special Thank You" Linda Rasnake (WRAMC Family Assistance Coordinator) and the Mitchell Family for making this possible. Please take time out your day to say a few prayers for our Heroes (the Wounded Warriors) and their brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces.
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