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Wet but happy veterans and caretakers gather under a tree at Lake Lure.
The fishing trip and lunch honoring American vets, who are being cared for in Asheville at the extended care facility, seemed most appropriate. After all, it was September 11th! The skies were pouring down tears, some of gratitude and some of sadness. There were supposed to be 48 guests. However, the rain prevented 20 other disabled veterans from coming. They were too sick to come out in the weather. Yet, the other 20 plus 8 staff members did come.
Every war - every conflict was represented: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq - men and one woman who had served our country and now needed care. The annual fishing trip and cookout at Lake Lure was very exciting for them. As everyone was cooking and huddled under umbrellas or sheds, those with canes and wheelchairs smiled. When I asked one veteran how he was doing he said: "Not too good, I've got diabetes and lost a leg, but I'll make it o.k." You could never tell how sick some were. Every disease was represented. Some had multiple problems. But they looked at you and smiled. They were happy to be there. When I referred to them as heroes, I was given the answer: "We are not heroes, we're just proud Americans!" They are needy, but humble and grateful for anything given to them. For these special veterans, this annual fishing trip was uplifting and exciting.
Only one fish was caught, before the fishing poles had to be abandoned and everyone sought shelter. Men in raincoats manned the outdoor grill and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers. The ladies from the DAV Chapter # 25 set out pickles, beans, potato salad, homemade desserts and plenty of potato chips. All the food left over was sent back with these "proud Americans" to Asheville.
Soon, the excitement began as drawing tickets were passed out to each veteran. As numbers were called, each was given $20. Then the numbers were called again and door prizes were presented to the winners. One man asked me if I could put his $20 in a pouch attached to his wheel chair. He was unable to do so. He thanked me and his blue eyes glistened within a happy face. He was very happy to be there.
The man in charge was DAV Chapter 25's Commander Jerry Jones who served in the Army from September 1966 to April 1, 1993. The special lady who brought everyone from the hospital, was Recreational Therapy Coordinator, Beverly Bradigan. She and a team of seven constituted the staff from Asheville for this event. Even the North Carolina State DAV Commander, Peter McCain, himself from Rutherford County, was there.
It was a proud day, an eventful day, a day of appreciation for those who gave so much. The weather didn't seem to dampen the spirits of these awesome guests. Because of the care program they're in at the hospital, we present to you these photographs, but, out of respect, do not reveal their names. After all, they humbly proclaim that they are just "proud Americans!" and we're very proud of them.
Before you go to bed tonight, say a prayer of thanks for each of these great veterans. To me they are truly heroes, but to themselves, they were just doing their job.
How blessed we are to have them in our lives! May God bless each and everyone!
