Greetings!
We're so glad you joined us for this issue of Operation PAL™ News and we're grateful for your involvement in this important outreach program.
You may have noticed that we have many Marines on our Operation PAL™ list with similar or even the same names.
You're not seeing double or triple. We have two Jesses, two Anthonys, two Kevins, three Joshuas, Matt and Matthew, Brandon and Branden, and Arron and Aaron.
Duplicates account for the main reason we use the unit information in addition to the participant's name. We can differentiate participants with the same name by their unit information, like "2/3 Weapons" or "2/7."
Keep that in mind as you write our Wounded Warriors and remember; it's essential to include the unit information on the envelope along with the name.
We know you write each Marine individually and we want to be sure your message makes it to the correct participant!
Semper Family,
 Barbara Gemmell Volunteer Manager Operation PAL™
MarineParents.com, Inc. |
|
Corporal Joshua 1/24 Alpha Co
Participant Spotlight
 Corporal Joshua was wounded in January of 2007. He took a gunshot wound to the neck and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He can barely see and hardly speak. He constantly suffers from infection of some sort or another and there are scary times when his life is in jeopardy.
He was engaged to be married when we first talked to his family, but the engagement has since broken off. The two of them are still friends and she visits quite often. This is a difficult circumstance for any young couple and they are doing the best they can given the situation.
When Joshua was wounded, he landed face first and lost some teeth. He is now having them repaired so Mom said she'd send a photo of his great new smile. His ongoing recovery has been a long and hard road but has frequent bright spots according to his Mother.
Many people have made sure Josh's service and sacrifice has not been forgotten. He loves hunting and has been able to do that with a little help from friends. Mom said he did 'shockingly well' once he figured out the setup. Getting outside and being in natural settings helps his mind and body feel like himself again.
A local non-profit group heard about Joshua and built a new home for him. It is fully accessible and a place where he can 'chill' and feel comfortable. It was built in 2008 and he was presented the keys on January 31, 2009.
|
|
Thank You
Thank you so very much for remembering our wounded and ill warriors when you write and pray. Your kindness is most appreciated. |
