On Monday, February 6, the Boomers and Bloomers visited the Warrior and Family Support Center at Joint Base San Antonio – Ft. Sam Houston. The Facility is located on a 3-acre property at Ft. Sam and is housed in a large and spacious 12,500 sq. ft. building. The current facility was constructed about 10 years ago; completely financed through donations, and today serves as the “gold standard” for other communities near military medical facilities.
A tour of the facilities was organized by Margaret White and Pat Lindemood and was directed by WFSC Director Judith Markelz. An entertaining, enlightening and informative tour was provided by WFSC Assistant Director John Wolf.
The WFSC provides coordinated services to patients, next of kin and extended family mem- bers of service members, with focus primarily on Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors. The facility provides a friendly, comfortable environment for everything from watching a movie on a large-screen TV, playing video games, checking email, making a phone call, or just grabbing a cup of coffee. A large well-appointed kitchen also provides a venue for those with culinary inclinations.
Many activities are provided through WFSC – everything from Thursday Night Bingo, tickets to Local Entertainment and Sporting Events, to Dining-out and Trips to the Zoo. The WFSC calendar is always full.
The Wounded Warriors and their Family Members can also visit the WFSC to maintain contact with other military members or extended family members to receive emotional support, answers to questions and to extend their rehabilitation.
The trip was highlighted by a recovering PTSD patient who addressed all of us as we were leaving with an emotional testimony about his stay at the Center. The recovering soldier told us his story of depression, despair and suicidal thoughts to recovery and a positive outlook toward the future. Absolutely inspirational – and a wonderful testament to the caring work of the Warrior and Family Support Center.
The St. George Youth took 11 kids to Laser Quest this past Sunday to enjoy some laser tag fun. I must say that my undefeated record against my youth group kids is no longer in play as I took it on the chin as Will Wickersham ( 6th Grade ) and Sebastian Trevino ( 7th Grade ) blasted me on more than one occasion. It’s important to me that all kids who come through our program know that ALL formation does not necessarily have to take place at St. George. Laser Tag, in very different way, is just as important as the fellowship we develop and nurture on Sunday mornings on campus. One of the things I enjoyed most about out Laser Quest experience was my attempt at trying to connect Father Nate Bostian’s sermon to my “code name” at Laser Quest. Father Nate Bostian referenced ,in his sermon, how Jesus gets “cranky” in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 23. I promptly decided that my code name at Laser Quest was “Cranky Jesus” and I especially found it hilarious when I tagged my kids and at the end of the game it said “you have been tagged by Cranky Jesus.
What did you put on your wish list for Christmas? Did you ask for a walker because your family couldn’t afford the device that would allow you to walk around your home? Did you ask for coats because no one in your family had one as winter approached? Did you ask for professional clothing because you had nothing to wear for upcoming job interviews?
Probably not. I suspect wish lists for St. George families included such things as the latest popular toys, stylish clothing, and updated technology. Most of us are fortunate enough to afford the necessities of life, but did you imagine the items above were on the wish lists of families in our own neighborhood, families whose children attend Larkspur Elementary?
As a part of their goal of year-round stewardship, the Order of the Daughters of the King at St. George agreed to adopt a Larkspur family and provide some of their wishes for Christmas. Through the generous giving of the Daughters, not only did they provide gifts for one family but eventually provided for three families with additional $50 HEB gift cards to two more families!
After Julabeth Carden had bought gifts for all the individual family members, the Daughters met on a Sunday after church to wrap all the gifts. What a joyous occasion it was as we got into the spirit of giving and listened to Julabeth tell us the amazing stories of these families. She was fortunate enough to accompany a Larkspur administrator to deliver the bounty and see many faces light up with joy.
The Daughters have pledged to collect needed articles to donate monthly to Larkspur families. Items that we take for granted such as laundry soap, socks, underwear, and snacks are above many a family budget just blocks away from us.
To hear more of the specifics of these gifts and our neighbors, come to the Annual Meeting and hear Julabeth’s full report. You will surely receive a blessing!
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 29th at 9:30 AM. Tacos, juice and coffee will be served. Childcare will be available. For more information, click here.
