Maggie was on our list a short time. She injured her leg in boot camp so badly that she would never be able to pass the physical requirements of becoming a Marine, and eventually was discharged. She and her family are very grateful for your letters during her hospitalization and rehab. Here is the lovely letter to you from Maggie's Mom.

Dear OperationPAL People,

Thank you for all your efforts in the OperationPAL program. We have been blessed and deeply touched by the lovely letters of encouragement, especially from the young children who tell the wounded warrior that they, too, want to serve their country or that they appreciate the soldiers who protect them.

A group of wonderful women crocheted a beautiful afghan for Maggie. She began to cry saying, "I'm not worthy," but I told her she was or the women wouldn't have so lovingly created the blanket. They are true patriots that appreciate a soldier's efforts, even if they are injured in training.

It's difficult to come to terms with having had an injury and having to get discharged, but these letters from such fine people really charged up Maggie's spirits.

Thank you. Thank you so very much. We will remember you always in our prayers.

Yours truly, Stacy *** mother of wounded warrior Maggie ****

P.S. Maggie is now happily living with her husband, David, for the first time since they were married in February 2011. They were married, had a honeymoon, then Maggie went off to boot camp and David was sent to Italy (he's in the Navy). Presently, they are in Virginia where David is working with the Navy and Maggie is studying to get her Master's degree in Music Education.*

She is grateful, however painful, for the USMC experience.

* (Mom also mentioned she saw a video of Maggie conducting an orchestra and is trying to obtain a copy for us. We will share it with you when we receive it.)