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21Feb12 |  |
Pizza Lunch. Thanks to all the Members the assisted and came to support :) | |
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15Dec11 | View Pictures | Christmas party at the McGuire VA Hospital: There are no words that can express the support this kind of event can give to our injured service men and women. Thanks to the RATIII for a job well done! | |
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19OCT11 | |
Pizza Lunch. Thanks to all the Members the assisted and came to support :) | |
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20SEP11 | Pizza Lunch. Thanks to all the Members the assisted and came to support :) | ||
| 29SEP11 |  |
The Membership Picnic was super successful. Thanks to all for the help setting up, cooking, and clean-up. We were able to gather some new members and had some fun as well. Could not ask for a better day! | ||
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20AUG11 | |
Pizza lunch was super for the Wounded Warriors today. Thanks to all the Members the assisted and came to support :) We are making a difference! | |
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23JUL11 | View Pictures | Thanks to all the members that came out on a very hot summer day to provide a super picnic to all the VA Hospital Veterans, Family Members, and Hospital Staff. We have been doing this event for many years now and it keeps getting better. Many thank to Walt Street for providing outstanding entertainment. As always it was a fun time for all and the veterans always appreciate our events. | |
| JUL11 | View Pictures | Awards presented to ROTC during July 2011. | ||
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23JUN11 | |
Thanks to all that helped setup and advertise our UNO's Fundraiser. We collected $227.37 in donations | |
| 21JUN11 | |
This pizza lunch was a mile stone having provided comfort food to wounded warriors 60 time on the past 6 years!!!!!!!!!! They love the pizza. | ||
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20MAY11 | |
Pizza all around. Thanks to the Association Members that pitched in to get the food and to all that found time to attend and share in the camaraderie :) | |
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20APR11 | |
Great job getting the pizza to both locations in the new Transitional Building and old Polytrauma Ward locations! Doing what we do best, comfort food to the troops. | |
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16MAR11 | |
This pizza lunch celebrates the opening of the new Polytrauma Ward. The RAT III split the lunch between the Polytrauma Ward in both the main building and the new building. The staff and the Association are evolving to meet the needs in both locations :) | |
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16FEB11 | |
The pizza lunch was fun and we had a lot of veterans and their family members :) We have learned that the Polytrauma Ward is expanding and they will soon be transferring service to the newly built build external to the main hospital. We are considering splitting the lunch into 2 locations (old and new) or re-focusing to the new location in the Transitional Building. We will discuss at the next membership Meeting. For now still lots of fun to be had by all. Thanks to Pete and his daughter from the Classic Cruiser Car Club for outstanding support and participation in today's luncheon. | |
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19JAN11 | |
The VA Pizza Lunch Project started for 2011 with a bang! As always the pizza and cokes tasted super to the patients. Our Wounded Warrior support has been solid for 5 years now and we have served literally hundreds of patients, their families and the staff :) A great accomplishment. We are looking forward to the next 5 :) Great job Team!!! | |
| 08DEC10 |
 
View Pictures |
The 2010 Annual Christmas Party was the best so far!!! Thanks to our donation from the Classic Cruiser Car Club, we were able to pull out all the stops. We appreciated having the members from the Classic Cruiser Car Club. They are great patriots and a great partners for the RAT III Association. We are very grateful to all the Active Duty Personnel that came from DSCR and Army Recruiting in support of our mission to provide comfort food and therapeutic camaraderie. With all our new members in the Association, we had a lot of great new ideas and input that made the event even more memorable. Thanks to all the Members that contributed to the setup, serving, and clean-up. A very big thanks to Santa Jay and Gary's very cute daughter for playing our Elf. The stocking and money were beyond words, appreciated by all the veterans and family members. As always, it was a super treat to have our Honorary member Admiral Griffith and his staff at the the party. He really enjoyed visiting all the Wounded Worriers and their families. Further, he always spends extra time with the Hospital Care Givers and Medical Center Leadership. What a fun time!!! | |
| 02DEC10 |
 View Full Size |
DLA Aviation, DSCR Wreath in the Center Restaurant has a bulb for RAT 3 :) Very cool :) | ||
| 17NOV10 | |
With all the Thanksgiving events at the Center and in our Divisions it was admirable that a few from the Association broke away to provide the pizza lunch for the Veterans in Ward 2B. The patients appreciate it very much. Thanks much for your dedication and service :) | |
| 20OCT10 | |
Thanks to all that assisted and attended the pizza lunch. The vets look forward to seeing us!!!!!!!!! | |
| 14OCT10 | 
View Pictures | What a great picnic! Event the rain could not stop a good time. Thanks very much to all the officers and members that assisted with getting the food, setting up, cooking, and cleanup :) We had several new prospective members at the event and appreciate all the current members that turned out. Our Association is stronger than ever and it is the membership that makes our volunteer efforts successful. We are making a significant difference to veterans in the Richmond regional area and having a huge impact on the War Fighters and their families at the McGuire VA Hospital. (Pictures provided by Vic Poltrick) | ||
| 22SEP10 | |
Yummy Pizza for all :) The patients are always glad to get good comfort food! Good job Team. | |
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Pizza luncheon was fun for all!!!!!! The Veterans dove right in on the food and as they always are, very glad to see us! | ||
| 21JUL10 | |
The pizza lunch to day at the VA Hospital went smooth :) Larry (The President) reported that the patients, families, and staff enjoyed our visit and that we had provided a great lunch helping breakup the monotony of the patients day. That is exactly why we do what we do. Thank to all the members that we directly involved in the prep work and came to spend time with the vets. We will se you all at the next event :) Great job. | |
| 05JUN10 |
View Pictures |
Wow What a great picnic!!!!!! Thanks to Wendell for getting the
band, The Classic Cruisers Car Club for bringing their cool cars, and Sally for
bringing Gracie (her therapy dog).  We appreciate all the RAT III Members that came and helped with getting all the stuff together, setup, serving and tear down :) You made all the difference in the success of the event. All the patient, family members, and staff had a super time! A special thanks to Nicole (VA Entertainment Coordinator) and her staff for the support. They are the greatest!!!!! A fun time was had be all. |
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| 19MAY10 | |
Today Pizza Lunch was fun for all the Patients, Family Members, and Staff. They really look forward to us coming and providing comfort food. This has become a way to break up the monotony and provide a therapeutic form of interaction. Great job guys! | |
| 21APR10 | |
Thanks to all the Members that came out in spite of the rain. As always the Veterans appreciate the visit, pizza and drinks :) Thanks for the lunch donation from the Senior Leadership at DSCR. We applied it to today's event. Totally unexpected but right on time! We appreciate all they do for the Association. Thanks to Col. Gary D. Wiest, USMC for attending the luncheon and delivering the donation. We hope to see him again soon :) Always good to our senior Officers at our luncheons and interacting with the Wounded Warriors. Another great event!! | |
| 10APR10 |
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Annual Classic Cruisers Car Show was on a super Saturday. The temp was 68 degrees and I guess about everyone in town was there. As always the Classic Cruisers were very gracious to let us setup a donation jug and we are fortunate to have them as a sponsor. Larry Really appreciated all the RAT III Members that came to help. The sign was a hit and we will see it again in June at the VA Hospital Picnic. Leon says we took in $190.00+ in donations. This money will go right to the picnic in June. Thanks again guys. The PICS below were borrowed from the Classic Cruisers Car Club Website. | ||
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MAR2010:
17MAR10: 
Thanks to all our members the contributed to this event
:) As always the Veterans and their Families appreciated the visit and the
"Comfort Food". Keep up the good work.
- FEB2010:
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17FEB10: Another great job done by the Association! Thanks
for the folk that volunteered to bring the food and extras. It is always
good to see the Association in action at the hospital. The Veterans and
their Families deserve as much time as we can provided and they really
appreciate us coming :)
- JAN2010:
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20JAN10: A new decade! and we are off to a great
start with a fun pizza lunch for the veterans. Thanks for all the
Association Members that volunteered for the event arrangements and those that
came to take part. We have been supporting the Veteran's for 5 years
now. Super job to all and lets stay the course and stay engaged with these
fine warriors. Thanks guys!
- DEC2009:
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16DEC09:
WOW! We did it! The
Ward 2B Christmas Party was a super success thanks to all the Association
Membership precipitation, The Classic Cruisers Car Club (we are glad you could
come), All Military Personnel in attendance (Bravo Zulu!), The Admiral's visit
(thank you sir), the Therapy Dogs (thanks Sal & Cathy) and a great big
thanks to Santa (Roger) and our pretty little elf. You guys rock!.
You all pitched in and we got it done in style. The Veterans and their
families really enjoyed all the food and gifts. This is what we do best
and it is really therapeutic for the patient's recoveries. The DSCR
Publicity was super (thanks to all the PAO personnel)! Check us out on the
ELKNET :-)
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- NOV2009:
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18NOV09: Thanks to all that pitched in to help with setup and
attended the luncheon to make it successful. The luncheons have become
more popular among the Active Duty Members and the Therapy Dogs are a
hit!!!!!!! Further, Sal and Cathy are getting questions of interest from
other volunteer organizations about the Therapy Dog Program :) We are very
proud of them :) A special thanks to the Red Knights Motorcycle Club -
Virginia Chapter 8 for providing a generous financial gift in support of our
events (the next 3 pizza lunches :) A huge thanks to them :)
Thanks to Tim Abdella for his "Bear Claw" necklaces bestowed on all the Ward 2B
Warriors in recognition of National Indian Month (November). The necklaces
identify those who wear them as Warriors. Recently, we have gotten
additional coverage in a DSCR article. Keep your eyes on the ELKNET for
that :) All are to be commended for their efforts in support of the
Wounded Warriors being treated at the McGuire Veteran's Hospital. Great
Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- OCT2009:
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14OCT09: What a great turnout. We literally ran out of
room :) We thank Sal and Cathy for bringing their Therapy Dogs!! Arf
Arf :) Further, appreciate the active duty personnel that came to the
lunch. We had plenty of food to go around and lots of camaraderie with the
Vets. See ya all next time :)
- SEP2009:
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24SEP09: 
Wow! What a fun picnic. The whole event came
together due to the expert help of our core all with a big thanks to Leon Martin
who chaired the planning and arrangements. We accomplished our Association
picnic and Membership Drive together for the first time and we now have some new
members. They will be welcomed at the next Membership Meeting :)
This is the kind of event that brings us all together and we can pat ourselves
on the back for all the good things we are doing. Thanks to all!
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PICS: 
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16SEP09: This was possibly the best Pizza
Lunch to Date! The Therapy Dogs were way cool! The Classic
Cruisers Car Club came and gave out fun free stuff was a big treat. We
really appreciate the Officers from DSCR Command coming too! THe perk in
the veteran eyes when they see another service member in uniforms makes their
day. The whole thing was very fun. All that attended I thank you for
your support and the veterans were especially appreciative for the visit.
When I left the Therapy dog room was full and I appreciate both Sal and Cathy's
patients while waiting for the vets to finish their lunch.
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PICS: 
- AUG2009:
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19AUG09: Pizza Lunch went off perfectly. All were happy
we arrived and brought the pies. Cathy Moore and her therapy dog came
today for her first visit to Ward 2B. As this was the first visit, the
patients were few but with a couple more visits we are sure this will be a fun
part of our pizza lunches and great therapy for the Vets :) We thank Cathy
for the visit and look forward to her next visit :)
- JUL2009:
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22JUL09: We had fun with this
grouped today. They were in high spirits and enjoyed the pizza. We
finally came up with a plan to get pizza to the Rehabilitation House next
door. Some of the guys are in transition and were not able to get over to
get some pizza. Form now on we will send 4 pizzas and an assortment of
sodas over on our regular pizza days. Great to spend a lunch with the guys
on the ward!
- JUN2009:
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-06JUN09: What a great day for a picnic! This day was the
anniversary of D Day. So, we remember the vets who stormed the beaches on
Normandy to save the world! There were a total of 205 Veteran's, Family
Members, and Staff that we served hot-dogs, hamburgers, and all the
fixins. A special to all the RAT 3 Members that came out to help. We
could not pull off these events without your dedication. A special thanks
to our Associate Members; Susan Fraser for the warm pies for desert and Jim and
Jennifer Burke for their help with the shopping/serivng line :) We really
appreciate the DJ (BM1 Lamerro Mason) coming out on a weekend to donated his
personal time playing some great tunes for the veterans.
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20MAY09:
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APRIL 2009 - John Hyde Wedding Pictures: John Wanted his extended family here at the DSCR RAT 3 Association to enjoy the moment with him :)
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Congrats John (for the second time) :)
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View Pictures
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22APR09:
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11APR09: 13 Annual Classic Cruisers Car Show: The morning was just right, cool and sunny :) ot 0900 sharp, we put up the donation jug. Attendee of the show enthusiastically dropped money into the jug for the veterans at the VA Hospital. About 1200 the weather turned and we were forced to retreat. but we did collect some money for the 2009 Spring Cookout at the hospital. Thanks to those members that came out to represent :) Mike Wisk, Charlie York. Larry W. and Tim Farley. We had to call off Leon and Andy due to bad weather. Still a great opportunity to coral some money to keep things moving. Appreciate all your efforts.
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09APR09: Walt Street inducted as an Honorary Member: Several members descended on Walt Street cubicle to give him a RAT 3 Shirt and Honorary Membership Certificate for his work at the VA hospital Large Events providing entertainment. We are very appreciative of him for giving time at the hospital in support of our association.
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25MAR09: Franchot Hicks Farewell Ceremony: I appreciate all the RAT 3 Members that cam to Franchot Hicks Farewell Ceremony. It was a full room of everyone from the General to our association members. He really got a great send off to his new duty station in Germany. He has our plaque to remember all the great things we did over his 4 year tour. We really appreciate that he also took on the additional responsibility as our Vice President last year. Good Luck! Pictures Below:
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18MAR09:
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18FEB09:
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21JAN09:
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10DEC08: Annual VA Hospital Christmas Party:
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PICS:
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04DEC08: Stocking Stuffing Time!
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19NOV08:
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22OCT08:Thanks much
Tim Farley, President
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24SEP08:Tim Farley, President
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20AUG08:
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13JUL08: Today's VA Hospital wide BBQ was sponsored by both the Classic Cruisers Car Club
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PIC from Kyle Smith:
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18JUN08:
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PIC:
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21MAY08:10MAY08:
Mike Brown comments: Thanks to everyone that came out and supported our BBQ at the VA Saturday. The patients were thrilled to get some good food and we had plenty for the staff as well. Paulette Beasley sent her thanks to all for a great event.
Charlie York comments: Mike Brown, John Hide, Leon Martin, Charlie York, Mike Henry and even Larry Evans helped out with the VA cookout last Saturday for ward 2B. We did something like 30 pounds of Chicken and about 18 pounds of steak and the fixings, the patients and their families and hospital staff sincerely appreciated the effort.
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26APR08:
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16APR08:
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19MAR08:
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20FEB08:
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23JAN08:
Today's pizza lunch was donated by the Classic Cruisers Car ClubWe had a sizable group of patients that enjoyed the pizza and a bout 10 from the RAT 3. I appreciated very much our members show of support!!!!!!!!! Bravo Zulu! As always the troops we very appreciative of our involvement at the hospital and it has not gone unnoticed buy both the hospital and DSCR Top Tier Management.
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19DEC07:
View Pictures
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21NOV07:
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06NOV07: Vice President MSgt Franc hot Hicks requested financial assistance of $100.00 on behalf of a Junior Active Duty NCO at DSCR to travel on emergency leave. The assistance will be used for transportation requirements. Overwhelmingly the motion was approved and a check was issued to provided the requested support.
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04NOV07: RAT III Members and volunteers (John Hide's Grand Daughter Rachel & Wendell Bib's Daughters Brian and Alley) treated patients and staff at the VA Hospital to a picnic and concert performed by Walt Street. A significant contribution for the event was donated by Dr. G. W. Chirkinian. Today's event was fun and entertaining. Rat III fed about 200 persons in all and they were very appreciative for the event. A big thanks to the hospital staff for their support providing grills, gas, and ice for the picnic. The concert was especially entertaining as Walt invited friend to help with the entertainment. One of the best picnics yet!!!!!!!! Good job to all :-)
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17OCT07:
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19SEP07:
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31AUG07: Sweats & Sandal Project ships to Bahrain:Here are the pics Marty requested of the sweats and flips flops heading over to the Iraq hospital. Marty and the Classic Cruisers made this possible through their generous donations. I haven't got word from the Doctor in the field that they have arrived yet. Last word I got was they were in Bahrain scheduled out on a C-130 to Baghdad.
Hopefully we'll get some pics from the hospital as well.
Mike Brown
PICS:
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15AUG07:04AUG07: Ward 2B Reunion
Charles Davidson and his wife attended the event for the RAT III. Charles arranged for the band at the event. The band (The Offering - Charles friends) performed for the Ward 2B Patient Reunion 1200-1500. The Reunion went exceptionally well, there were approximately 60-65 patients and family member present. The patients and the hospital staff were very pleased with the bands performance. Paulette said she would contact the hospital social director (Jeanette) to try and schedule the band to perform another concert for the entire hospital, around Christmas time if the band is available.
-19JUL07:
31JUL07: Sweats & Sandals Project: Providing clothing items to wounded combat vets in Iraq field hospitals. Tim Farley purchased socks, sport shorts, and flip flops on line as follows: $1030.00 for: 13 dozen socks, 10 dozen shorts, and 12 dozen flip flops. Moneys for the project were donated by The Virginia Classic Cruisers Car Club of Richmond. VA. A huge thanks for their generosity!!!!!!!!!!!! The field hospital requested and we all came trough.
Pictures below on material sent:
Mike Brown arranged for and put the shipment on a military aircraft out of Norfolk to Bahrain. From there they are going to the field hospital in Iraq :-) We are waiting for additional transportation pictures and final receipt confirmation. This project was one of the biggest we have taken on to date which started back in April 2007.
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13JUN07:
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06MAY07: Message from the Kinnee Family following Pizza lunch reunion:Thank you!
I can't express the words how happy it felt to see all your smiling faces and your encouraging words you shared with us during our visit to Richmond.
Justin and I have never forgot who made us feel special and important, I am just glad you were able to see for yourself what you do is important and will never be forgotten.God bless
Hazel & Justin Kinnee
Semper Fi
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02MAY07 -
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Letter of Appreciation Award to the DST/Richmond Team - PICS: 03MAY07
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Additionally, toady's pizza luncheon was extra special with a visit from Justin Kinnee and Hazel (his mother) (previous patient at the Poly trauma Ward). Many RAT III Members were in attendance. It was super to see the room full of patients, family and staff enjoying the event.Email from the Kinnee Family:
From: Hazel Kinnee [mailto:h_kinnee@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 11:41 PM
To: Burke, Jennifer A (DSCR); bill.sloat@irs.gov; Abe, Tim C Lt Col (DSCR); York, Charles (DSCR)
Subject: Cpl Justin KinneeI HAVE THE BEST NEWS THIS YEAR...
Bring your camera's we will be back at Richmond from May 1-3... Justin has a re-check and another driving test..
I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE WILL BE AMONG FRIENDS AGAIN..
Can't wait to see your faces when you see how far Justin has come since January 06..
Being blessed has an advantage's...See you all soon..
Hazel Kinnee
770-617-9743
Semper Fi
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"Freedom has a taste that the protected will never know"
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PICS:
PAO Letter From LtCol Abe:
From: Abe, Tim C Lt Col (DSCR)
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 3:16 PM
To: Kovach, Brian T MSgt, USAF (DSCR)
Cc: York, Charles (DSCR)
Subject: DENSHO (Lt. Col Abe Article)Densho is a Japanese term meaning "to pass on to the next generation," or to leave a legacy. On May 2, the Richmond Area Top III organization passed on the goodness of older Warriors helping younger ones in their time of need both in physical terms and spirit during a special Luncheon sponsored by this veteran organization out of the Defense Supply Center, Richmond. The wounded Marines, Soldiers, and veterans were treated to pizza, soda's, and camaraderie which was made possible through the generous donations of the DSCR/DST Customer Interaction Center. But in greater terms, this generation of older veterans were able to coordinate a special guest to be with them; and through this special guest, they hoped that a strong sense of helping others can be passed on. The special guest was Corporal Justin Kinnee, USMC. Justin is a very special person to DSCR, and a recovering Marine who was wounded in an IED attack in Iraq in 2005 and occupied the same hospital ward as these Warriors.
Corporal Kinnee, USMC and the DSCR RAT III met when he was a new patient at the Veterans Hospital, 18 months ago. "You could tell he was a very special person that first day," said past RAT III President Charlie York, "I just met the guy and he was telling me, get me some real food and I'm not getting out of here in nine months, but 6 weeks!". During that time, he was a Poly trauma patient with massive head trauma, unable to walk and use his arms. Doctors felt that it would take months for him to walk or be able to use his hands and arms. However Justin's spirit never believed much of what doctors told him.
That strong spirit in believing in himself was relayed to the Commander of DSCR, who was equally impressed, and received invitations to both the DSCR Holiday Party and RDML Heinrich's Promotion Ceremony as his special guest. In fact, Justin was able to walk into the promotion ceremony of Admiral Heinrich with a spirit as strong as the first day they met. "He certainly is an inspiration", said Master Sergeant Brian Kovach current President of the RAT III, "And if he could rub some of that off to these newer Warriors, that would just be super."
During the lunch, Justin and his mother Mrs. Hazel Kinnee, who were back at the Veterans hospital for a check up from Georgia, came by to see the younger generation to assist them too. "I just wish I had someone who could have helped me when I was there," said Hazel, as she spoke about the mountains of paperwork in dealing with hospital care." But I am more than happy to help these other mothers". She had developed a special checklist and provided that extra mother's touch that ensured major benefits and care would be provided to the wounded Warriors. She also said that DSCR and the RAT III are special people too, she never forgot how much help the Bellwood Family was for them in their time of need and extended a special THANK YOU, especially to Admiral Heinrich"
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20APR07 - VA Concert & Cookout success:Members,
For those of you that did not attend Friday's event, you missed a good time and many sincere thank you on behalf of the patients and family members. Walt Street performed a magnificent concert while Tim Farley and Charlie York performed their magic on the grill. Tim and Charlie were accompanied by Melvin Green and Lt.Col Brewer in flipping burgers and turning hot dogs. If I missed anyone, my sincere apologies.
Inside, a number of members, Gary Riffle, Garlene Wilson, John Hyde, Marty Wright, along with members Benedictine High School (Jackie Palmer's son and two of his classmates) served the burgers, dogs, soda, chips, etc. Again, if I missed anyone, my sincere apologies.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to VA. Classic Cruisers, and Mr. Wes Wolfe for funding this endeavor. Without their generous contributions this and other functions would not be possible.
We should see an article in the near future on the Elk Cast
Respectfully,
MSgt Brian T. Kovach
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08APR07 - Marty and Wife Kay visit the VA on Easter:"Kay & I visited the VA Hospital Poly trauma Ward yesterday afternoon , we took 10 small Easter Baskets, each with an Easter card, a little candy and a $10.00 phone card. We also bought a tub of Easter cookies and Lori (my daughter) made a dozen home made Chocolate Chip cookies.
There were 9 patients in the Poly trauma ward, most of the patients are causalities from IEDs in Iraq with serious head injuries. They are at various stages of recovery from can't talk or walk, to those who are ready to go home, walking, talking and generally able to take care of their own basic needs. The Nurse's station kept the 10th basket to give to the next soldier to check in.
The soldiers were moved by our simple gift, one young Marine who lost both legs had his Mom at his bedside. He was moved to tears by this simple visit and small gift from strangers who he had never seen before. Kay almost lost it and hurried out of the room so he would not see her cry.
The Nurses we just super, one nurse escorted Kay and I to each room, Kay had to use a mask & gloves for one that is in isolation.
I have been married to Kay for over 30 years, I have never seen her so moved by anything.
It has an honor to be able to do this small thing for the soldiers on Easter."
Marty
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22MAR07 -Additional Comments from the President:
wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what is happening in your organization.
22 March -- We hosted our monthly pizza lunch at the VA on ward 2B.
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to Gary Riffle for obtaining free pizzas from Papa Johns and Marty Wright and The Virginia Classic Cruisers for the T-shirts they donated with the Classic Cruisers Logo. Membership turn out was up and the patients enjoyed the visit.We had the opportunity to visit with four Marines who were injured in Iraq. Some of the injuries are devastating and the families appreciated our visit. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the young men at the V.A., I ask that you find a few minutes in your busy day to visit the patients and families.
We visited with one Marine (John) with traumatic brain injury who is working to regain his motor skills and speech. While John enjoyed the pizza we spoke with his mom and she shared pictures of him and his platoon in Iraq. One picture that stood out was John standing with Oliver North. John can't speak right now but Gunny Chambers was able to motivate the young Marine into providing the Marine version of the HOORAH. (the highlight of the day)
We also had the opportunity to visit a local from Dinwiddie who was injured in an IED attack. This Marine lost both of his legs, completely blind in one eye and partial sight in the other. He seemed in good spirits for his condition and was very appreciative for the visit and the T-shirt. (Gunny was a hit because this Marine also responded very well to having a fellow Marine look in on him).
Lastly, we spoke to a very young fiancée and mother of another Marine who was paralyzed when a snipers bullet severed his spine. We did not have a chance to visit the Marine since he was having CT scans but his fiancée spoke with us and told us that he loves to watch American Idol. She stated this was something they use to do before he deployed. When he arrived at the hospital he was staying up to watch and sleeping a majority of the following day. The nurses did like him sleeping so much so his fiancée convinced him that she could tape the show and they would watch it together the following day. Mom and fiancée seem to be in good spirits
Brian Kovach
RAT 1
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21FEB07 -
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17JAN07 -
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13DEC06 -
TIM FARLEY
RAT #3
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10DEC06 -
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PICs from Marty:
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04DEC06 - RAT #2 Returns from the desert with thanks :-) Read letter from Mike Brown:
Deployment Story
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21NOV06 - A Holiday Note From Justin :-)
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"My THANKSgiving Wish for 2006I am Truly Thankful for Justin to have the opportunity to serve this great nation stepped up to the plate to keep America the Land of the FREE.
I am Truly Thankful to all the Men and Women and their family's for their greatest Sacrificed to this Nation.
I am Truly Thankful to all the Doctors, Nurses and Medics in theater, at National Naval, at McGuire VA and those in Georgia, their training and dedication have return such a precious gift that Thank you does not seem to cover it.
I am Thankful to those who have given so much to ensure I was able to be at my Sons side. I cannot express the gratitude from this family to Marines, Semper Fi Fund, Trinity Church Members, Salute America's Hero's, IBM my Employer.
I am Truly Thankful to all of America who has kept Justin and this family in their daily Prayers. I may have forgotten many but that does not mean you have not been a big part of my life and Justin's recovery.
God Bless America
Thank You,
Hazel, Justin & Nicholas"
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18NOV06 -
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13OCT06 -
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20SEP06 - RAT III Members,
I have a follow-up to our recent assistance effort for VA Patient Gregory Ruffin. He called last night and filled me in on how it is going. First of all, he extended a very big Thank You! to the Association for the $150.00 Ukrop's food card! He is now living in a halfway/transition home in South Richmond near the Hospital. He has a few more visits to make before he is 100% back to some sort of normalcy. He is literally starting from scratch but does have resources to build on his situation come Military Retirement Payday. He is excited about the upcoming Fall Picnic and with his ID card in had can gain access tot he base to attend :-) He continues to express the desire to join the Association. Personally I think we did a good thing! He was down and out we helped bridge him through a crisis.
Thanks
TIM FARLEY
RAT #3
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18SEP06 - The Rat III Membership was asked through and email vote to support him. Overwhelmingly, a donation was approved for $150.00. The Association purchased a $150.00 Ukrop's Gift card and expedited it to him the same day.
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17SEP06 - The next day Greg was abruptly discharged from the hospital and being from the Philadelphia area he was out of position and unprepared to house and feed himself until Navy Retirement Payday (10 days later). With much deliberation, he called Tim Farley and asked the Association to assist with a donation of $100.00 for food to get him to the end of the month.
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15SEP06 - During our most recent hamburger and hot dog roast at the VA Hospital Charlie and Tim were approached by a veteran patient Greg Ruffin about joining the RAT III. He appreciated our involvement at the hospital and upon his discharge he wanted to be a volunteer and help at the hospital and other RAT III events.
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15SEP06 - The DSCR POW/MIA Table was dedicated in the Center Restaurant with the assistance of The RAT III Association :-)
DSCR honors nation's POW/MIA with a permanent 'Missing Man' table9/21/2006 - Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, Defense Supply Center Richmond commander, honored the nation's POWs/MIAs on Sept. 15 with the dedication of a permanent “Missing Man” table in the Center Restaurant.
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Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Kovach salutes the "Missing Man" table at the conclusion of the Sept. 15 dedication ceremony. Kovach, a member of the Richmond Area Top 3 association who works in Aviation Customer Operations, is assisted by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Wathen, also from Aviation Customer Operations. The table will be on permanent display in the Center Restaurant to honor and remember the nation's prisoners of war and missing in action.
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9/11/2006 - The ceremony at DSCR was a great success!!!!!!!! Thanks to all RAT III Members that participated.DSCR news article below
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THE CREW
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RATIII,
Thank you for your attendance this morning at the September 11th Ceremony and showing up information with the suggest RATIII uniform. What a great looking bunch! The picture is proof…..
MSgt Brian Kovach
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"9/11/2006"Defense Supply Center Richmond - DSCR Headlines
Officials mark fifth anniversary of attacks
By Will Daniel, DSCR Public Affairs Defense Supply Center Richmond commemorated the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the United States that launched the global war on terror with a ceremony Sept. 11 at the flagpole in front of Bldg. 34.
Recognizing that police, emergency medical services and fire personnel were the heroes of that day five years ago, officials deviated slightly from the usual daily posting of the colors. DSCR fire, EMS, and police stood by as military members posted the colors immediately after a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time of the first impact into the World Trade Center. Marine Maj. Gregg Johnston, Navy Chief Petty Officer William Wallace, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joanne Vega and Army Staff Sgt. William Ackahyensu participated in the flag raising. Ackahyensu then lowered it to half staff as directed by a presidential Patriot Day proclamation.
Chesterfield County Fire and EMS people and equipment took part in the ceremony. DSCR has a mutual aid support agreement with the county.
Corliss Baugh, an internal control program manager here, sang God Bless America and Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, DSCR commander, spoke.
"On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists tried to destroy the American way of life by killing innocent people, by destroying buildings symbolizing our strength and freedom, and by disrupting the fabric of our lives,” the admiral said. “Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks. They used the terrorist's tools of inflicting fear and chaos, seeking to divide us, overwhelm us and destroy our will. While the magnitude of their evil and intolerance defied imagination, it did not destroy our nation — we remain a people who love freedom, celebrate diversity and defend everyone's right to worship. While that day changed many aspects of our lives, it didn't change our spirit as a nation of freedom loving people.”
Chesterfield County Fire Chief Paul Mauger attended the ceremony, along with members of his fire and emergency staff. Chesterfield County fire fighting equipment was on display along with that of DSCR. Earlier this year, DSCR and the county signed a mutual aid agreement in which DSCR will respond to emergencies with the county up to four miles away from the center.
Heinrich told the audience he was pleased that Mauger could attend the event. “Chief, I think you'll agree that since the attack, the nation is more unified, brought together by the tragedy and the continued threat,” Heinrich said. “Since 9/11, all Chesterfield Country residents can take satisfaction in knowing that all of Chief Mauger’s stations are better equipped, trained, prepared and focused for such events.”
Heinrich said the passage of time has not erased memories of that day, but it has helped heal some of the obvious scars. “Ground Zero has been cleared of debris and a memorial stands in place of the Twin Towers ,” he said. “The walls of the Pentagon have been rebuilt and security measures updated. From that rubble other tributes have also taken shape. The USS New York will be commissioned next year, and includes 24 tons of steel from the World Trade Center. The ship already has a motto: ‘Never Forget.’
“Just about everywhere we go we are reminded that our world has changed and the danger remains, so we must be vigilant,” Heinrich said. “Security checks, metal detectors, and random searches are the norm now at airports and at places where large crowds gather... These sacrifices remind us that we cannot be complacent and that we have sacrificed some small freedoms to protect ourselves and our homeland.”
Members of the Richmond Area Top 3, or RAT3, played a major role in putting the ceremony together. Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Kovach was the master of ceremonies and Wendell Bibb, RAT3 chaplain, closed the ceremony with a benediction. RAT3 consists of active, reserve and retired enlisted members in the top three grades.”
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11SEP06- RAT III Members were in attendance at the VA Hospital fro 1700-2100 supporting the Disabled Vets with hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fix ins. We opened the event up to the entire hospital even feeding the Base Police (not on duty)
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16AUG06 -
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26JUL06 -CHICKEN DAY!!!!!!! We had a super lunch at the VA Hospital! We had 6 patients and all the Ward Staff eating chicken with us. Really appreciate all the RAT III members in attendance. It was a very good turnout!!!! Thanks to all member who assisted in getting chicken and drinks there :-) The patients asked for pizza on our next trip. Outstanding job!!!!
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24MAY06 -
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27APR06 -
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19APR06 -Members of the RATIII visited McGuire Veterans Hospital on April 19, 2006. Patients and staff look forward to the monthly pizza luncheons the RATIII provide; however, today the Association had a special treat for the patients and their families. The RATIII would like to extend a heart felt THANK YOU to Marsha Barron and members of the Glenn Allen Church of Christ who donated and prepared today's lunch that consisted of lasagna, salad, sodas, and deserts. The patients and staff expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the organization for taking time out of their busy schedules to provide lunch and companionship. Families are continually amazed at support and generosity of the RATIII and tell us how much our visits mean to them and their injured soldier, sailor, marine and airmen.
Special note: If you have not had a chance to visit the patients on the Ward please take an hour after work or over the weekend to visit the patients. Once success story is about an Amy soldier named Jason from Columbia, Maryland. Jason was manning a 50 caliber machine gun when his HMMWV struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting combat operations in Iraq. Jason was propelled through the gunners mount on top of the HMMWV and thrown 20 feet from the vehicle, he suffered burns over 75% of his body, and his feet were almost destroyed from the impact of the explosion. Jason was immediately flown to Balad Air Base where he received medical attention and later transported to Lanstuhal Army Medical Center in Germany where doctors where able to save his legs but Jason lost his right foot. Jason has been unresponsive for several months and over the last week he is showing signs of improvement. In fact, I had the opportunity to speak with Jason today and he was able to answer most of my questions.
Jason’s mother Pam, also mentioned that Jason’s Commander attempted to reach him in Balad to award him his Purple Heart; but Jason was already on his way to Lanstuhal by the time his commander arrived. I told Pam the story of Lance Corporal Justin Kinney and DSCR/RATIII involvement in conducting Justin’s Purple Heart ceremony. I asked Pam to work with Captain Roundtree, the military liaison at the VA, to obtain the status of Jason’s Purple Heart and to contact us if/when they plan to pin it on him. I know it would mean a lot to his family if we could provide equal support and show our appreciation for his sacrifice and service.
Respectfully,
MSgt Brian T. Kovach
RAT #2
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17APR06 - RATIII,This morning the officers and members of the association present RDML Heinrich with his honorary membership and his member's golf shirt.
The Admiral was surprised to receive this honor and expressed his gratitude for everything that we do as an organization in supporting the VA, and other endeavors.
Respectfully,
MSgt Brian Kovach
"RAT #2"
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DSCR - DSCR HeadlinesRichmond Area Top 3 Association inducts honorary member
DSCR's commander recognized for support
By Cathy Hopkins, DSCR Public Affairs
Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, Defense Supply Center Richmond commander, was inducted as an honorary member of the Richmond Area Top 3 Association April 17 in a ceremony held in his office.
Association officers and members presented the commander with a certificate of honorary membership and the exclusive RAT 3 polo shirt as a token of their appreciation for his leadership and continuing support to the organization.
“I am honored to receive this membership and would like to thank the RAT 3 for their work in assisting the Rivet family (a military family re-located here after Hurricane Katrina) and their continuing support at the Veterans Hospital ,” said Heinrich.
The association includes active duty, reserve and retired top three enlisted, as well as those who had obtained the rank but did not retire. The RAT 3 is actively involved with the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Poly trauma Unit, which specializes in attending patients with severe head trauma.
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30MAR06 - RAT III inducts COL Steven L Franklin, USMC as an honorary member of the Richmond Area Top III Association.
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28MAR06 - RAT III receives a Letter of Appreciation from Commanding Officer, Capt Lawrence Evans, US Airforce Auxiliary, Southside Composite Squadron, VA60:- VA60 (Southside) Squadron Letter of Appreciation
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22MAR06 -Another successful pizza lunch happened in Ward 2B of the VA Hospital. We had a large turnout for RAT 3 Members, Hospital Staff and most important the Combat wounded and injured veterans. Thanks for the support from all and we expect another event in two weeks :-) Bravo Zulu :-)
DLA News Article as follows:
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03/28/2006
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Defense Supply Center Richmond - DSCR HeadlinesRAT3 members host lunch for McGuire Veterans
By Cathy Hopkins, DSCR Public Affairs
The Richmond Area Top 3 Association hosted a luncheon March 22 for the veterans and combat wounded at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond.
The luncheon was a great success, said RAT3 members. Several veterans, combat wounded soldiers and hospital staff ate pizza, deserts and soft drinks provided by the members and associate members of the organization. “Top 3” refers to the top three enlisted grades of the military services. The association includes active duty, reserve and retired top three enlisted, as well as those who had obtained the rank but did not retire.
“The RAT 3 association is about a year old and has 39 members,” said Tim Farley, a RAT 3 member and a DSCR employee working in Aviation Supplier Operations Directorate. “The luncheons have been held for the past six months.”
“The association is … showing folks we are interested in the soldiers’ recovery and having fun.” said Farley.
Farley estimated that in the last six months about 20 combat wounded solders and veterans have participated in the monthly luncheons.Bonnie Cavins, a DSCR employee who also works in the Aviation Supplier Operations Directorate, is an associate member and volunteers to support these events. Cavins said she was a Navy wife and started volunteering through her friendship with other association members.
Staff Sgt. James Jeane and his wife, Sunshine, were two of the individuals enjoying pizza on Wednesday. Jeane is a medic and a member of the 172nd Stryker Brigade. He was injured while on duty in Iraq.
The Stryker vehicle in which Jeane was patrolling was struck by a bomb set off by a suicide bomber.
Marine Lt. Col. Tim Abe, chief of the engines and airframes branch in the Aviation Engines and Airframes Division, is an honorary member of the RAT3. Abe said soldiers injured during deployments are stripped of all clothing when they are treated to lower the risk of infection, then taken in a hospital type gown to a hospital in Germany for stabilization before being sent to a stateside hospital.
“They don't see their families until they reach Bethesda (Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.) or Walter Reed (Army Medical Center, Washington),” said Abe.
“Fragments from the explosion fractured Jeane’s skull at 1:30 p.m. 26 Feb,” said Jeane’s wife, Sunshine. “And by 28 Feb. he was in Bethesda Naval Hospital in a medically induced coma.”
She said he then went to Walter Reed for a neural assessment and therapy.
“We were sent to McGuire 16 March for James to have a more through assessment and rehabilitation,” she said. “We will leave McGuire on 31 March and go back to Walter Reed for more surgery to replace the missing part of his skull.”
Sunshine is staying in the local area while her husband is undergoing treatment at McGuire. She spoke highly about the various programs and organization that help support a soldier's family members. She said expenses haven't been a major problem thanks to donations from organizations and per diem that is given to family members.
“I've been given so many phone cards, I haven't had a problem keeping in touch with our sons, and other family and friends,” she said.
Jeane and Sunshine have four boys, ages two, four, six and 10. Their sons are currently in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, where Jeane was stationed prior to deploying.
Jeane said his motivation for getting better is his boys. He said he has been talking with them on the phone. The children will be relocating to Maryland soon, so that the family can be together during Jeane’s final surgery at Walter Reed.
Jeane is also keeping in touch with his unit through e-mail.
After this final surgery, Jeane said he is eager to take his “trial for work” test. The test will be given about 30 days after the surgery, and he needs to pass it to be declared medically fit for duty.
“I don’t see a problem with passing it,” said Jeane. “I'm looking forward to another 10 years in the Army.”
Sunshine said the doctors are amazed at how fast he has progressed in just three weeks.
“My doctors, Dr. Dave Cifu and Dr. William Beckworth, are great,” said Jeane. “I've been around doctors all my life. These doctors understand my goals to stay in the Army and are helping me work toward that.”
Abe said the 20-some-year-old soldiers, like Jeane, are the backbone of the services.
“They are the heroes,” Abe said. “I have full confidence that the country is in good hands.”
Luncheons at the medical center are held monthly. RAT3 events and activities are made possible through off-post fund raising activities and donations from individuals and the local community. To take part in events, call Charlie York, president of RAT3, at ext. 6403 or Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Kovach, vice president, at ext. 4063."
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Army Staff Sgt. James Jeane (right) speaks March 22 with Christine Rivet, a volunteer with Richmond Area Top 3, and Marine Lt. Col. Tim Abe, chief of the engines and airframes branch in the Aviation Engines and Airframes Division, during the RAT3-hosted pizza luncheon.
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Army Staff Sgt. James Jeane (center) and wife, Sunshine, pose March 22 with Charlie York, president of the Richmond Area Top 3, during a pizza luncheon hosted by the RAT 3 for veterans and combat wounded at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
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15MAR06 - All:The Richmond Area Top 3 Association will be held a fundraiser at a well known lunch location on March 15th 2006, two locations: on Jefferson Davis Highway across from Home Depot and Hull Street Road near Spring Run. The final amount of funds raised were as follows:
Chester Restaurant - Total Sales $1602.88 - 20% of total= $320.57
Hull St Restaurant - Total Sales $277.35 - 20% of total= $55.47
Total Sales both locations: $1880.23 - 20% of sales= $376.04The funds will be applied to support this association's effort to further provide lunches/dinners for the Combat wounded Veterans and other service member patients at the McGuire VA Hospital, Richmond VA. We appreciate all members, center personnel and friends that ate and subsequently donated that day to support our efforts :-)
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12FEB06 - VA CONCERT!!!!!Mr. Walt Street DSCR-Cherokee employee and retired Air Force musician performed a concert at the VA Hospital sponsored by the Richmond Area Top Three Association. This was the kick-off for the "National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week", a week-long, nationwide celebration/recognition of veterans in VA Hospitals. We advertised this event via the DSCR-PAO office so employees and friends of the center could attend this concert and show support for all the veterans that are hospitalized at the McGuire VA hospital.
Thanks
Charlie York
President, Richmond Area Top Three Association
-NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT ON EVENT: 16FEB06 (waiting for pictures)
All:
I finally got a few minutes to email you all about the outstanding job Walt Street and his wife Caroline did last Sunday from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at the main event room of McGuire VA Hospital. Most patients were in wheel chairs, a few in Gurney’s and some were fortunate to walk in and out. Walt and his wife had the place rocking, the patients were really into the music and it was heartwarming to see them clap and shake to the music. Marty Wright, Larry Kircher and myself were there and for those that missed the performance, you missed a really great show. My thanks to Walt and his wife for allowing us to sponsor this event, you made a lot of bored patients happy for a time and that alone was worth all the work.
Thanks again
Charlie York
President, RAT 3
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09FEB06 -
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01FEB06 - Charlie visits VA patients :-)"I was at Ward 2B and visited with Michael, he is not being discharged as previously thought but will remain at the ward until the latter part of February possibly leaving somewhere around the 21st."
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19JAN06 - JUST IN!!! Justin at home :-) The look on his face validates what we are about! I would like to think our efforts are why he is smiling.
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12JAN06 - Justin at the Admirals Frocking Ceremony.
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12JAN06 - Capt Heinrich’s Frocking ceremony was awesome. Thanks to RAT III member who suited up to assist with the event and all others who made a showing for the Association :-) Further, it was great to see Justin and his Mother at the event. He should be going home tomorrow.
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11JAN06 - Just in! Justin at the VA Hospital is walking :-)
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10JAN06 -SAMS CLUB DONATES PIZZA FOR THE COMBAT WOUNDED AT RICHMOND VA HOSPITAL
The Richmond Area Top Three association hosted a pizza luncheon for the patients and families of Ward 2B at the McGuire VA Hospital on January 10th 2006. Many of the patients have been in the ward for some time and will soon be heading home or to another facility so this was a sort of Farwell to the great group of young men and their families that the association has gotten to know and befriend. Our thanks to a well Known Retail Club for providing a $50.00 gift certificate which provided most of the pizza served.
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06JAN06 - LAST MINUTE CALL FOR MEMBERS:Stuck in some far and distance land serving your country is asking a lot of any young man as they serve our country. But when you are alone by yourself, lying on your back counting holes in the ceiling in a Veterans hospital hurts. At least while a person is off serving, he is sometimes with 100 of their closest friends in the same boat giving mutual support.
So at DSCR, the Richmond Area Top 3 Association, members who have been and are Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from all Branches of the US Services, know first hand that being an injured rehabilitating service person needs support more than anyone else. Association Vice President and Air Force Master Sergeant Brian Kovach said, “These kids have been to Heck and Back, but they are going to get the support and dignity this time around” as he spoke about the RAT-3’s recent call to help.
On Friday, 6 Jan 06, MSGT Kovach received an urgent call that one recovering veteran needed support. An Army Vehicle Mechanic who is recovering from massive head trauma due to an automobile accident on Thanksgiving weekend November 2004 was looking forward from a family visit for his birthday. He had very few visitors, and his small family was coming from Maine to celebrate his birthday, but his mother couldn't make it. The hospital workers said he was devastated and very depressed.
That was all Brian had to hear. Once he got word, he and his Association quickly assembled birthday packages, a cake, and over 10 members to get out to the hospital. The jubilation, surprise, and tears that were brought to this young Soldier said it all. The Hospital Staff said no modern medical cure could have been better.
All Brian had to say was, “This was just a small thing we can do”.
Lt.Col. AbePost Event Feedback:
Mike was very surprised and enjoyed the cake, cards and T-shirt that we picked up for him.
“Super” Sam is being discharged today and we said our farewells. Justin could go home as soon as the 13th (next Friday) depending on a few issues. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the new guys in passing and I informed them of our association and the pizza party next Tuesday.
Brian
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05JAN06 - Here is an updated picture of Justin and His Mother with a note of thanks :-) Good job guys!
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24DEC05 - My daughter Lori and I visited ward 2B on Christmas Eve.took two home make pumpkin pies, a 6 pack of bottled coke, all the required cups, napkins, plates and flatware.
I also took a stack of Hot Rod Magazines.
We talked to Michael for a while and I met a new arrival. His name is Thomas, he is a Navy E-6 Nuclear guy of some sort on the Eisenhower. He was hit by a car on the way to work. His family was coming to be with him on Christmas.
Michael and Thomas appreciated out visit, and as usual the nurses were very pleased with our visit.
I plan on going again over the New Year's weekend.
Marty Wright
Aviation Airframes Branch 2
Airframe IST 4
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21DEC05 - Many members of RAT 3 and DSCR personnel attended the award ceremony for LCPL Justin Kinnie's Purple Heart. The Ceremony was conducted by COL Franklin and was very well done! Appreciate those who came :-) PICS below.
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Members:Below is a note from Justin’s mom.
If this association would just happen to not have another positive impact on what we set out to do, this alone is ample reward for what we have accomplished. I wondered how many young men and women spent time in the wards of the VA hospital bored and feeling alone before this association got engaged. God bless you all, and as I have said since we started this whole endeavor, as a senior enlisted NCO that has had a great career with many rewards, its now time to pay back the prosperity we enjoyed and truly mentor and care for the junior enlisted service members in the greater Richmond area that we can reach out and touch.Honor, Courage, Commitment.
Charlie York
President RAT 3
View Pictures
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20DEC05 - Our Fried Chicken lunch at the VA Hospital was a HUGE SUCCESS! We appreciate all who attended and/or donated to the event. The Hospital really appreciates all we are doing and hope to see us again real soon! Lt. Col. Abe email below:From: Abe, Tim C Lt Col (DSCR)
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 9:35 AM
To: York, Charles (DSCR)
Subject: RE: RAT-3 DELIVERSBELLWOOD'S TOP 3 MILITARY ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO DELIVER A SPECIAL THANKS TO WOUNDED VETS
McGuire Veterans Hospital, Richmond, VA: Combat wounded Veterans lying on their backs and in wheelchairs know that "Action Speaks Louder Than Words", and so do those who have been there before. So on again on Tuesday 20 DEC, DSCR's Richmond Area Top Three Association delivered both kind words of Thanks and something better than hospital food, Real World fried chicken to six wounded veterans at the VA. Charlie York RAT 3 President said, "These kids here have had their time in the desert, heard a lot of talk and we need to deliver action", he should know as a drilling Naval Reserve Senior Chief.
The Veterans whom are at the McGuire VA hospital are patients undergoing treatment are from all branches of the service and from across the United States. Their visitors have been few and far between, and are on a constant diet of hospital food. "Getting company is a treat to these Heroes", said Penny Pettigrew, VA spokesperson. "so for the RAT 3 to bring company and Real World food was an absolute joy."
Charlie's Organization is composed of employees at DSCR who have been or are Senior enlisted members of all branches of Service and have been in the Top Three Ranks who also want to still be a positive force through Actions in helping others. "This Lunch event was only a small thing that we want to continue", said Charlie. This event Tuesday was the third that the RAT-3 has sponsored, and from such a success from the first made the event the new standard for these war wounds war fighters. In fact while speaking to these young Vets, Lt Col Abe an honorary guest, found out that one Marine had not gotten his personal things back from Iraq in over twelve weeks, and took action for the Marine to be able to listen to his i-Pod again and get his personal belongings back.
Charlie did want us to note that, "This event was just not a one time thing to get some press, rather they would be continuing this support doing luncheons and cookouts for the patients and their families as more veterans come through the VA, but also to bring attention that right here in Richmond we have Combat Wounded Veterans that could use a few kind words and some company." So over these Holidays especially on the weekends, if anyone in the area has the time to pop-in and say hello these young men in ward 2B would be greatly appreciated. One does not need to be a member of the RAT 3 but all can be volunteers to help out in this great effort. “Some of these Vets have no visitors, due to distance from their families”, said Charlie. “So having someone to CARE would be appreciated by them”.
VIEW PICTURES
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01DEC05 - Steak & chicken cookout at the Veterans Administration Hospital for 6 combat vets, their families, and members of the Ward 2B Staff. Again, it was a total success and very rewarding. Our association now has established itself as a super source of encouragement for the vets. The following is Charlie's overview of the event:"Members: I just wanted to let all know that the cookout last Thursday was very much appreciated by the patients and their families of ward 2B. During the dinner I had an opportunity to speak with Justin Kinnee’s mother Hazel and she was in need of a USMC tee shirt for Justin ( Justin was wounded by 2 IED’s while in a Humvee near Falujah Iran). Lt. Col Abe and myself went to the ward at lunch yesterday to deliver the shirt/sweat pants and USMC logo and spoke to the Kinnee family where they were really appreciative of the RAT 3 for the support we are giving all the patients of the ward. I also spoke to Paulette Beasley and she said our cookout was a huge success and the patients and families that had an opportunity to eat and converse with us were praising our efforts."
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11NOV05 - Veterans Day visit to the Richmond VA Hospital to meet wounded combat veterans in the recovery ward. We visited with a Lance Corporal Justin Kinnee and found he was craving Pizza :-) We also met 2 other combat vets that were being tended to at the time and I did not catch their names. We are going out to the VA Hospital to feed 3 maybe 4 of the 6 vets in recovery in 16NOV05.
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Collection taken from members for Red Cross toward Katrina victims. Web Link for coordinated Department of Defense efforts:http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2005/katrina
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Family adoption initiative for 3 Katrina families in DSCR housing. We cleaned 3 units and ultimately got a family of 8 members into a dual unit. The Rivet Family is now settled into their accommodations thanks to everyone's help :-)
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CLEAN HOUSING UNITS FOR POSSIBLE HURRICANE FAMILIES PICS:
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SETUP HOUSE PICS:
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RIVETS ARRIVE:
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Related Rivet Family Articles:http://today.dla.mil/dscr/news/headlines/2005/article17574.htm?WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished
http://today.dla.mil/dscr/news/headlines/2005/article17543.htm
