Friday Night Fun at Walter Reed
Rather than standing out front with the FReepers getting rained on, I accepted an invitation to spend the evening indoors watching a very cool band.
Gary Sinise, bassist and front man for the LT Dan Band.
The band
The concert was sponsored by the USO which had volunteers scurrying everywhere! They gave out bagged meals (sandwiches, salads, chips & soda) followed by some really yummy key lime pie. There were also people handing out sample cans of Right Guard X Body Spray which Mike Sparling kept telling everyone I needed more of. *jerk* 
Intro to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Co ‘B’)
As viewed from the balcony
My cutiepie neighbor and her parents. Daddy won an XBox in the door prize drawings.
Iraq and Vietnam Vets
The Vietnam Vet pictured above is Murphy Neal Jones, Colonel, USAF (Retired). He spent 7 years in POW Hell during that war (1966-1973)
There were times when I wanted to die to end this ordeal, but my faith in God, my country, my family and the American people gave me the strength to endure it. I considered myself very patriotic when I was captured, but the patriotism I felt at that time is only a fraction of what I feel now. There is no denying that we have some problems in our country, but it is still by far the greatest country in the world.
Col Jones is a wonderful, gracious man who was obviously in heaven being around these young guns. His pride in the new generation of warriors just spilled out as he worked the crowd before and after the concert. Talk about a hero!
A Tired pup
Mike is showing Gary and crew member the back of the “Major League Infidel” shirts. The crew member was waaaay happy about getting a 2XL for himself and a bunch more for the band. My stash is now officially gone.
The band came early and toured the wards. Gary then stayed late and shook hands/had pictures taken with everyone. There were probably 200-250 people there. One kid looked like he should not have been out of the hospital yet, but he stayed thru most of the concert!
Gary and the band were very, very nice! It was obvious that their hearts really went out to the wounded warriors and the crowd was very appreciative.
Cross-posted at the Vox site.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:49 pm
[...] House Friday Night Fun at Walter Reed » This Summary is from an article posted at Semper Gratus! on Monday, October 22, 2007 This [...]
October 22nd, 2007 at 11:48 pm
That is awesome GN! Gary is such a great supporter of the military! I wish I could have been there!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Good choice GN! thank you for the pictures…it’s good to know that they continue to care so much for troops.
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:14 pm
It really warms My heart that LT Dan would do this for the Troops at Walter Reed. Your gesture of the shirts is a great way to show Your appreciation too. I wish I didn’t live in Winston Salem NC ’cause I’d be up there with You and the FReepers alot more often. Great post GN…Keep it up.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Hey GN, what a great evening with Gary and the guys - sounds like coming in out of the rain was the smartest thing to do. Your pictures are wonderful - wish I had been there too. ~Judy~
October 30th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
What a great way to spend your evening GN! I know those guys from WR appreciate you and Mike SO very much. And what an honor, to meet Col Jones.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Awesome!
November 4th, 2007 at 11:21 am
You know how to have fun and hang out with the best of them.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Great post, GN, and what an awesome night for everyone!! So glad you got to join the fun… and now I know someone who knows “hot hot” Gary S. WOO HOO