A soldier who is a patient in the hospital came out to visit us. Nothing new there.

He went down to the Pinkos and talked to them, too. Ditto. Nothing new.

When he came back up to the “right” side, I went over to say “Thank you” and to talk. Still nothing new.

Then, the bombshell: This soldier was at the White House yesterday and came face to face with Zero and .. refused to shake his hand!

Part of me thinks his action was disrespectful, but this warrior has the right to express his opinion and that was certainly a powerful way of doing so. What cojones!! I’m so proud of him… *sniff*

Young and old veterans meet and greet.

Standing at attention while Taps is played.

The 82nd Airborne’s Color Guard along with the colors from the 173rd Airborne (front).

The official memorial for the 173rd.

SGT Pitts places flags in memory of his fallen breathren.

A ceremony led by LtCol. Roy Lombardo to honor Major General “Butch” Williamson.

The most touching memorial of all. Three young warriors, all wounded at the battle of Wanat, pay tribute to one of their own who died there. SPC Sergio Abad, rest in peace soldier.

SGT Josh Sparling, SSG Sean Cannon, CPL Robert Schubert, SPC Chase Matthews with their ducks and shotguns.

4 shotguns were donated for the guys! A Charles Daly from Ducks Unlimited, an H&K from Bass Pro Shop and 2 Brownings from Safari International and MD Waterfowl Association.

Action shot!

Chase shoots with his dad, Rudy, looking on.

Josh concentrating.

The Times Herald of Port Huron, MI, did a really nice article this weekend about the charity America’s Wounded Heroes and the duck hunt event. Unfortunately, we didn’t get all the pics edited and uploaded in time for them to be included in the article. For all the fun stuff and some serious photos, check it out here.

Josh and Mike Sparling.

The great Veterans and spouses of the American Legion Jeff Davis Squadron and Post 18, Centerville, MD made the whole weekend wonderful! They made our young heroes feel like superstars (which, of course, they are!). There will be more news and updates on the AWH website once I get it updated IS more news and stuff on the New, the Improved, America’s Wounded Heroes website!

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.

The General made a special trip to see this special young man. Sgt Rich is the son of Super FReepers Mr. and Mrs. Trooprally. Can’t tell you much about him (or I’d have to kill you, etc, etc) but his folks are at Walter Reed every Friday night supporting the wounded warriors and then out on the corners in Olney, MD supporting the troops on Saturday mornings, too! Click the link to Olney for more pics and info on this fine young Marine.

And here’s General Pace greeting the whole gang.