A mother of a National Guard officer killed in action, who was dependent upon her son’s support, had his death benefit stolen by other family members. It was the winter and her furnace was no longer operating and she had no funds to repair it. Based upon verification by the Ohio National Guard that she had no means of repairing the heater, R&DA contracted and paid for the repair. The company who made the repairs was so impressed by our generosity, that they decided not to cash the check.

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             A soldier undergoing treatment for his wounds was not joined by his family because his wife had regular job and they needed the money to support his family. We provided a satellite telephone to him and his family so they can talk and see each other daily. He said, without this special phone, he did not think he could make in through the long healing process.

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             There were wounded who had been released temporarily from the hospital for the holidays and saved money to go to their home to see family. Each arrived in BAMC from Iraq and over several months had accumulated “civilian clothes” and personal items. As they got ready to depart, they noticed that no military in combat had a suitcase. They contacted R&DA and we purchased 35 suitcases so they could pack and bring home gifts for the holidays. No other agency would assist them.

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             R&DA invited wounded warriors from Walter Reed Medical Center to play in our golf tournament. These are competitive men and women who want to do their best. Several had multiple amputations and one E-5 was missing a leg and an arm. On the fifth hole while teeing off a wind came off the water and blew him to the ground. All his playing partners were silent and did not know what to do. As I approached from the club house I told one of the speechless partners, “He is real warrior, watch him make you laugh about this”. Sure enough he got up pulled himself up with his golf club and looked at his partners and said, “I was a combat warrior and killed the enemy, now a little breeze knocks me over. But I will beat you all on this hole” And he did!

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             R&DA members provided food items can be found at many of the Wounded Warrior Centers on any given day. These items are available for the wounded and their families as they meet each day at these centers. This is just another example of the quiet support that R&DA and its members provide to those who have sacrificed so much.