Thankful for Their Service

I have enjoyed another opportunity to participate in a dinner service with the Armed Forces Foundation, this time at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. This was my first experience at this facility. What a wonderful display of appreciation, gratitude and humility.

The event's dinner was sponsored by Vanguard Management and The Bernstein Companies, as usual the AFF did a wonderful job and the wounded warriors along with their families were treated to a thanksgiving feast like no other. Turkey with all of the trimmings (all home made!) and desserts that made everyone's mouth water!

I have had quite a few opportunities to work with Joe (above) and his team at AFF, and I am glad to say that I will continue in these efforts. These warriors for our freedom fight each day, now it's just a new battle - for their life. Many would go back and do things again, their spirit is remarkable. I am also reminded that during each of their surgeries, they may have needed one of the many blood donors that I hope to connect with - it's a circle of life - in every way.

I learned the story of Garth (left), wounded and at the hospital for 3 months now - and the stories of many others. There was even a Marine present who just graduated at Parris Island the day before - young and willing to stand for our freedom.

This Thanksgiving, I say thank you to those that serve, that have served and will in the future. It is because of them we continue to have these holidays and without them, I'm not quite sure where we would be.