Memorial Day 2012 - Annapolis MD

Greetings, friends,

Yesterday marked the official remembrance of those who died to fight for our freedom.  We say “official” because far more often than a single day a year, Patriots remember their friends and neighbors who gave their lives so we could maintain liberty.  In DC this year, there was finally a formal ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans who were not welcomed back by a grateful nation.  The contrast was striking then as compared to today:  troops were spat upon, cursed as “baby killers”, and told to change out of uniform upon arrival in states for their own safety.  We have come a long way, but not far enough.

In Annapolis, the Memorial Day parade was different this year. Few politicians, no cheerleaders in skimpy uniforms, but instead our USNA band, a flag-draped casket with vigilant guard, first responders, serious banners ("Lest We Forget"), and groups of war veterans and their families, gathered to remember and also to step forward.  So often our service and veteran families humbly stand back, do not self-identify, and are not recognized.  This year they were honored.

And, so as the days go forward, and your family is seeking education, employment, friendship, coordination, assistance, and support, know that this VCG Community also stands quietly available to you each day, to the best of our ability to help. 

Very respectfully,

Linda

PS:  On a personal level, here’s a photo of my (Vietnam Veteran) uncle and me.  He mattered then and he matters now – so too do your families remain in our thoughts and prayers.

White House Caregiver Event

Greetings!

On Monday, January 30^th, we were privileged to join the First Lady at the Department of Labor as she announced proposed extended benefits to Caregivers of the nation’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans.  Many Caregivers and vets from VeteranCaregiver were present, as well as many of the Caregivers and service members we assist at Bethesda.  To have these amazing Caregivers in one room together was a rare opportunity for face to face camaraderie! 

Caregiving is not sexy. The role of Caregivers is very hard to define to the general public.  It is not a photo op with a service dog or a golf tournament.  It is instead, a quiet, relentless, worthy, and necessary adjunct to recovery for our service members and veterans.  It takes courage, passion, strength of purpose, and grit to navigate the complex medical system, and to advocate and coordinate efforts for their family member every single day.  The recovery continuum is unimaginable without Caregivers.

This event signified the importance and priority of Caregivers in a quiet, but powerful way by the attendee list, and joining the First Lady were: 

-      The Secretaries from the Departments of Defense, VA, and Labor

-      The Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and

-      The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and all the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Specifically, the First Lady spoke of a proposed rule to extend the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to qualifying family members of veterans dealing with a serious injury or illness for up to five years after leaving the service.  This is a change from supporting only family members of “currently serving” service members.  This proposed rule would also cover those in the regular armed forces instead of the current entitlement for only those in the Guard or Reserves.  And, addressing one of the most critical challenges facing Caregivers, Mrs. Obama also spoke of new programs to address critically high unemployment among Caregivers and veterans by announcing 14 hiring fairs with the Chamber of Commerce, including one to be held at Bethesda.

Caregiving defines love in new ways under new circumstances.  And, most Americans are completely unaware of the significant, vital role that Caregivers fulfill day in and day out.  We hope that this event will be the beginning of recognition of the essential role of Caregivers to our service and veteran families.  As always, honor and praise go to all Caregivers, you are recognized daily by this VCG Community!

Very respectfully,

Linda