The Fisher House Program is in constant need of help. Fisher Houses are "homes away from home" designed for family members who need to be at the bedside of wounded soldiers/veterans.

My friend Sylvia and her three daughters were aided tremendously by the Fisher House in Washington DC. Sylvia's husband died on October 10, 2005, as the result of injuries sustained in an IED attack in Baghdad on September 26th. In her Christmas card this past year, Sylvia wrote about a wonderful program which she and her daughters had just attended. It's called The Snowball Express. Per that website:
Southwest Airlines, Oakley, Quiksilver, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Starwood, Marriott, Best Western, Disneyland and countless other partners and sponsors, combined with Rotary volunteers in Southern California and all across America helped create what was the largest all expense paid gathering for the families of our fallen warriors since 9/11.
This was way, way, way more than a trip to Disneyland. It was an opportunity for Sylvia and the girls to share their story and to connect with others who have experienced what no-one else can understand.

If you followed the news about the conditions for soldiers in medical hold at "the other Walter Reed" you'll know that a scandal has erupted, top level officers/officials were fired, and politicians of all stripes have vowed to make things right. Like all scandals, however, this one will quickly fade from the public eye. Please write to your elected representatives. Hold their feet to the flames on this one.

Thanks for letting me jump on your soapbox, Lynn

Rose