Wounded Marines at Bethesda Naval Hospital - Need some help

[JSOCMarine]

I received this via a Marine email network I belong to. This has been verified and is a legit request for help for some wounded Marines who have arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital. I thought maybe some folks here on SOCNET might want to send something to these Marines. It looks like some of them are going to be in hospitals for quite some time.

As one who spent much time in miltary hospitals, I can tell you that these men are going to need all of the moral and material support we can possibly provide them. Semper Fidelis


------------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL-------------------------------
April 1, 2003
An Open Letter to Supporters Concerning Our First Visit to the Wounded at Bethesda

Our first distribution of gift bags to the wounded returned to National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda during the past few days was both a successful and rewarding experience. The young men, despite their obvious pain and in some cases very serious and permanently disabling injuries, were extremely grateful and enthusiastic about what they received.

In many, if not most, cases, I was reminded of kids at Christmas time. Their excitement as they went through the items they received was clear and they were exuberantly expressive of their gratitude for your efforts. Their unabashed good humor and high spirits in the face of periods of recuperation and in some cases reunion with friends and family were frequently overshadowed by their clearly heartfelt desire to rejoin their units and continue to be part of the effort they left so suddenly.

We want to thank each person and corporation that has contributed to this effort thus far, and to earnestly solicit your continued support for as long as these brave young military persons return under the current conditions from the Middle East.

During this single first day of our visits, we provided a wide range of very popular items to thirty-seven (37) wounded, including 36 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. When I returned this evening to provide the final few parcels, I was able to speak with both the medical and nursing staffs, who echoed the comments of some of the young people in indicating a pressing need for undershirts and underwear, T-shirts, sweats, and socks.

Many, if not most, had their uniforms cut from them upon medevac, and arrived in this country with nothing more than hospital scrubs. One young Marine lamented that here he was, with no clothing to wear other than a pair of Air Force sweats donated by a member of the hospital staff. If any focused point of effort could be emphasized, it is this one. If these young men could be provided underwear, socks, and sweat gear with their services indicated, it would be a great morale booster. Please give it some thought. These types of things are not so “neat and fun,” but their practical value is incalculable.

Please pass this on to all who are supporting us. We DO appreciate the range of responses and the immediate logistical flow, and at this point, based on what we were told today, keep it coming. More wounded will arrive in all likelihood tomorrow.

Thanks again, your efforts and contributions are sincerely appreciated.

Cordially, Carol Sefton


Once again, please FEDEX to:

Carol Sefton
8412 Fenwood Dr.
Springfield, VA 22152
703-913-5830
csefton@cox.net

[EchoFiveMike]

They are not service oriented, but I can get a really good deal on a couple dozen pairs of the nice Thorlo hiking socks that I could donate. Do you think they would be appropriate? S/F...Ken M

Model KL and KLT, the link doesn't work. Thorlo's website sucks, but their socks are good.

[Gypsy]

JSOCMarine, would you mind if I shared this post (via copy and paste) with a USMC support group I belong to?

Lorene

[Bravo_One_Three]

I put in an e-mail for sizes and such, I'll have a Semper Fi package FED Ex'd NLT Monday.

[JSOCMarine]

Folks,
You may share this letter/request for help with anyone you feel would be interested. I think that anything you send to these guys would be very welcome. Right now, they need some clothes, as described in the letter, but I am sure they could use just about anything you can think of. S/F

[lrd]

Thanks for the info, JSOCMarine. Several groups have been asking how they can help, so I'll pass this on. If anyone has any other suggestions, please post or PM me.

B13 - would you mind posting the requested sizes when you get them?

Lisa

[RLK]

I shit you not, I posted this over on www.bladeforums.com and some limey wanker thinks it's an April fools day joke.

[Echo-8-Hotel]

Yesterday afternoon, I posted this request for assistance, on the Marine On-Line Discussions Forum at the Miltary.Com website. I did not provide the POC info. but posted my e-mail address, and directed that anyone who really wanted to help, should e-mail me, and I would give them the address/phone #/e-mail to contact the coordinator (Carol Sefton) for this effort.

In just over 18 hours, I've had numerous e-mails requesting POC. Two requested permission to pass the info to their Marine Corps League chapters.

This is a great effort. I hope Ms. Sefton can handle all of the responses.

[Gypsy]

I just spoke with Carol, she suggested mostly large and extra large sizes....perhaps some mediums.

There are things they "need" like boxers and undershirts, socks etc. and things that will make them smile...goodies, CD's, magazines etc. Of course get well cards and letters of support as well!

She asked to be sure that all items are sent directly to her and not the hospital, they do not want to overwhelm the hospital staff.

Carol also said that on 3/31 they delivered 37 bags of items and the enjoyment and gratitude from these fine Men of our Military was amazing.

Lorene

[fla annie]

Gypsy,

Could you please provide me with a POC?

Just had a shopping spree at Costco ... undergarments (various sizes), socks, undershirts and reading material.

It'd be great to send this out this afternoon.

Thanks, Ana

[Gypsy]

Ana...all the info for Carol is at the end of JSOCMarine's original post. :) She is the POC for this, and is a lovely woman!

[fla annie]

Gypsy:

Sorry ... :rolleyes: ...read your post wrong ... thought it was another POC!

Packages on their way.

Ana

[JSOCMarine]

I received this update today. So far, the response has been superb. I am sure that these Marines truly appreciate everything that folks are doing for them. Little do they know that sending them something is our small way of showing them how much we appreciate them and all that they do for our great nation. S/F


--------------------------ORIGINAL EMAIL--------------------------------
Below is some helpful information for those desiring to help Marine Spouses Effort Supporting Marines/Corpsmen WIA returning to NNMC Bethesda:

* To support this effort, items should be sent to:

Helping Wounded Marines
C/o Carol Sefton
8412 Fenwood Drive
Springfield, VA 22152-1607


· Items should NOT be shipped to NNMC -- they have no personnel, system or distribution scheme for same -- and have plenty to do in the official arena since so many medical staff were sent forward to man the hospital ships, etc.

· Following conditions apply to those who would like to help support this effort:

o NO CASH OR CHECKS - we don't have time/talent to do cash accounting or the time to shop to use the funds

o Items should be sent by delivery method of choice (FedEx, UPS, Postal).

o Please ensure every shipment has a document inside with:

- NAME of the person(s) sending it
- CONTACT INFO (e-mail is great, address & phone as well)
- CONTENTS of the package (total numbers of items of each type -(e.g. 5 sweatsuits, 5 DVDs, 5 ink pens, etc.) so we can keep a record of donors and distributions more easily

o All items should be NEW. No used clothing or items are being distributed.

o NO FOOD items are permitted by hospital regulations on our efforts

o Corporate/government contractors or businesses doing business with the government: please ensure that your donations comply with federal ethics standards. Do NOT provide items that would, if accepted by these young people, cause them to violate Standards of Conduct. DO THE HOMEWORK PRIOR TO MAKING THE DONATION...Make it easy for THEM - and don't put the Spouses into the position of getting the WIA in the middle. They have enough going on in their lives and have no idea about such things. Thanks!

What happens to the items we receive from donors?

The spouses are notified when NNMC is receiving new WIA. A bag of each of the items on hand is prepared for EACH person, and personally delivered (through arrangement with the NNMC Commander). NNMC is very protective of the privacy of these folks, and this method has proven to be well-received. While inventories vary, every effort is made to ensure that the balance is the same for each person.

Do we have suggestions for what donors should send?

o While it varies between individuals, many arrive with no personal gear following their medevac from the field. Some have no clothing, underwear, sweats, etc. The hospital can (and does), of course provide them with scrubs, etc. Few who can want to "live" in them. All prefer to wear USMC sweats, hats, etc. - they retain their fierce pride in the Corps.

o Other things the Marines would welcome:

- boxer shorts
- backpacks
- CDs (remember they are 18-30, mostly)
- Playing cards
- Personal CD players
- Electric razors
- After shave, deodorants, toothpaste, etc.
- Footwear - sneakers, etc.
- $20 gift certificates from nation-wide stores or MCX, NEX, AFEES, etc.
- stamps, writing materials, etc.
- gym bags
- inexpensive watches
- fast food gift certificates

[CAP MARINE]

i know what it was like to be in the hospital,wounded,and no one seems to care.carol i will be sending a check to you immediately for my Marines.

[Gypsy]

CAP MARINE,

We've never "met" here on SOCnet, but I'd like to say: Welcome Home. I thank you for serving our country; I am a grateful American and I care.

If I may....I noticed in JSOCMarine's latest post that Carol requested no checks or cash be sent as they would not have the time to shop.

Lorene

[Gooch]

Just curious.

Where is the Red Cross/Navy Relief and all of the other United Way agencies that we always got hammered for donations about? Seems to me that this is traditionally thier job isnt it? I guess the money we always donated must have gone to paying a bunch of administrators to administer instead of providing for health and comfort items for our wounded brothers.....

[CAP MARINE]

carol:
mailed out a package today.
semper fi

[Gypsy]

Your PM box is full.

[JSOCMarine]

Done

[Gypsy]

Message sent.

[Gypsy]

1400, 12 APRIL 2003



IMPORTANT REQUEST: THE GROUP CURRENTLY HAS SUFFICIENT STOCKS OF ITEMS BEING PROVIDED TO THE WOUNDED MARINES AND SAILORS. THIS “HOLD” REQUEST APPLIES TO THOSE WHO MIGHT WISH TO HELP, OR TO BEGIN COLLECTION AND/OR SHIPMENT. THOSE WHO HAVE SPOKEN WITH CAROL PRIOR TO THE TIME AND DATE INDICATED ABOVE, HAVE ALREADY SHIPPED OR COMPLETED COLLECTION OF ITEMS FOR THIS PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE HAVE ITEMS “IN THE PIPELINE,” PLEASE COMPLETE THOSE EFFORTS – YOUR SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN “COUNTED IN” FOR PURPOSES OF THIS NOTICE.



ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES:



E-MAILS: Please take note: ALTHOUGH "csefton@cox.net" is good address, we request no e-mails be sent unless some SPECIFIC NEED IS TO BE ADDRESSED. IF E-MAIL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IS SENT, PLEASE STATE “REQUEST FOR INFORMATION” in the subject line.



Ed. Note: Many who write ask that their best wishes and thoughts be relayed to the wounded. Please rest assured that THE SPOUSES ALWAYS RELAY THE BEST WISHES OF THOSE WHO DONATE ITEMS AS THEY DELIVER THEM.



PHONE CALLS: Requests for the group to research alternatives, return phone calls, etc. should be carefully considered – the phone number earlier provided is our residence – and with the number of hours spent inventorying, transporting and delivering the many thoughtful distributions, little time remains for following up on good ideas or returning a long list of calls.


DETAILED UPDATE NOTES:



BASIC NEEDS – are being well-met through the generous donations of socks, underwear, health & comfort items, etc. We continue to distribute the sweats, shirts, shorts, etc. that are on hand and are known inbound.



ENTERTAINMENT/PERSONAL ITEMS: again generous contributions of phone cards, videos, DVDs, CD-players, CDs, etc. are making hospital life much easier. The troops are getting an initial round of a whole range of items, and are able to receive many others once they are settled in and have a chance to think about what they would like. Recent significant contributions being handled by Marine Liaison and HQBN, HQMC are being put to use to further ease the often difficult situations of the Marines, Sailors and family members visiting them.



VISITORS: The Marine spouses group does not have current information on, or any control over visitors. All should be aware of, and should consider, the needs for privacy, time to heal, etc. of the wounded at NNMC and elsewhere. NNMC does have specific procedures for visitation of these personnel, and Hospital officials should be consulted in planning such visits.



OTHER GROUPS ASSISTING THE WOUNDED: Our group has been informed of others who are similarly interested in supporting these great Americans. Their actions are laudable and we wish them every success in their efforts. If you become aware of open invitations to visit the wounded, requests to deliver items directly to the NNMC, etc., you can be certain that these efforts are by such other groups in their attempts to help.



NNMC NOTES AS OF 04.12.03:

The outpouring of support for the wounded has been – and continues to be -- astounding and is a truly moving testament to the spirit of support that exists in both the Marine community (active, retired and former) and the nation at large. We have had e-mails bounced from the CENTCOM theater of operations to mom and dad, from WWII and Korean Marines, from Corpsmen who have "been there" with Marines in the field, from reservists, from retired, from active duty, from the hill, from just about every state in the union, etc. The corporate support has been universally generous (of course in keeping within the Standards of Conduct/Government Ethics rules for same, we trust). The troops have been overwhelmed and are genuinely appreciative of the thoughts and thoughtfulness.

Morale is high, amazingly so -- and from close observation the men there (no female wounded are among the Marine-Navy group) appreciate the fact that their service and their sacrifices have made them a special part of America. That is important -- and crucial for their return to society under conditions far different from those many among the veterans of other eras not so distant in the past recall. That alone is worth the effort. They ARE special, and I think the efforts of those like you demonstrate that amply. And as an e-mail from an active duty Marine general officer said this weekend, they come from the same stock that their parents and forefathers who served in past wars and show themselves to be yet another “greatest generation.”

The flow of wounded continues, with Marine & Navy patients arriving last night (4.11.03). That said, at present, even with the continuing flow of wounded, adequate stocks of the full range of items are sufficient to support the requirements. IF, as we ALL hope, the combat is winding down, with the grace of God the flow of wounded will slow and stop.



So, please, get the word to your contacts and groups that the overwhelming support has created a virtual "cloth mountain" and the spouses can run the log train to the 'front' at the hospital for the present with those current (and inbound) stocks.

The spouses will retain all of the e-mail addresses, and if the need arises, the flow can be re-started.

While individual thanks thus far are difficult, I am certain people can realize that the best gratitude is that of satisfied troops..

We are all PROUD to assist this group/effort, and proud of the way Americans have answered the call to honor those who gave much in their young lives at the call of the nation.

They have been visited by a wide spectrum of notables, including the President, the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant (on MANY occasions), nearly all active and many retired Marine general officers, Arnold (yes, that one), and the Redskinettes. Each brought a different kind of experience, of course. More to come as further updates arise.

Keith Sefton
USMC (Ret.)
Clerk/typist

For the Marine Spouses effort to aid the Wounded Marines & Sailors