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Soldiers and their family members enjoy a night out in Washington, DC. (Feb. 25, 2005)

APWU Hosts ‘Gratitude Dinner’ For Wounded Soldiers

APWU Web News Article #8-05, March 10, 2005

The APWU recently hosted a “gratitude dinner” for wounded servicemen and women at a downtown Washington steakhouse. Honored guests represented all branches of the military who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or in other battles against terrorism.

Although they have returned to the United States, their personal battles are far from over – these troops were evacuated because of the severe wounds sustained in action. The injuries suffered by these courageous young men and women range from post-traumatic stress disorder to serious head trauma to loss of limbs.

APWU President Bill Burrus and Human Relations Director Sue Carney talk with soldiers at "Gratitude Dinner" in Washington, DC.

The heroes celebrated at the Feb. 25 gratitude dinner have been living at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington while undergoing extensive medical treatment and therapy. Some have been there for more than a year.

The APWU-sponsored dinner presented an opportunity for them to enjoy each other’s company away from the confines of the hospital and many were fortunate enough to be joined by loved ones. Each wounded soldier received an APWU care package, which included donations from the Girls Scouts, K&R Industries, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Despite their great personal sacrifice, the servicemen and women expressed no regrets: only pride in serving God and country. Their spirits were high, and all voiced hope for their future.

Father and son at steakhouse in the nation's capital.

The event was also a salute to the Washington-area “Fisher House,” one of 32 “houses” nationwide used by families of patients at military hospitals and VA medical centers. These homes-away-from-home accommodate as many as 40 family members. Since the first Fisher House opened its doors in 1990, more than 58,000 families have been provided temporary housing to use while facing challenging medical situations.

If you would like more information on how you, your local or state organization can get involved in the APWU efforts to support our troops, contact Sue Carney, Human Relations, 202-842-4271.

Note: APWU members are encouraged to participate directly in the Fisher House program by donating phone cards and postage stamps, and by participating in Operation Hero Miles, a Fisher House program that works in cooperation with major airlines to swiftly reunite American troops with their loved ones.

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