An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Team MDL: ‘Thank you’ to wounded warriors, caregivers

  • Published
  • ?Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Office
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  In honor of 2015's Warrior Care Month, Team MDL's wounded warriors and caregivers gathered for an appreciation breakfast held at the Falcon Creek Golf Course here Nov. 18.

"We know that Veterans Day is a day of celebration, a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of  country, willingness to serve and their sacrifice for the common good," said Col. (retired) Tim William, guest speaker at the event. "I don't think anyone knows that sacrifice better than this crowd. This celebration is tempered though, by our memories of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and by those, like you, who bear the scars of war."

November was designated Warrior Care Month in 2008 to thank wounded warriors and caregivers, and to inform military members and their families about the programs and initiatives available in the Warrior Care System.

Williams shared his experiences and advice as a combat wounded veteran with 30 years of military service. After serving and being wounded in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as suffering from a recent illness, Williams credits his recovery with a positive attitude and his support system.

"I'm here to tell you, you can come out the other side of lots of things," Williams said. "I think most of you know that. All you have to do is wake up and say 'today is going to be the best that I can make it' and things will change."

DeeDee Thaden, wife of Col. Frederick D. Thaden, joint base and 87th Air Base Wing commander, and daughter of an Army veteran, also spoke at the event, sharing her experiences with wounded service members.

"I saw a group of wounded warriors marching together (during the Veterans Day Parade), and a little boy reached up and grabbed the prosthetic hand of his father," Thaden said. "The look that that little boy gave his dad - he was so proud of his dad.

"Eight years ago, my superhero died. My superhero was my dad. Now my list of superheroes has grown and I am thankful for that."

For more information about programs available to wounded service members and their families, call the Military and Family Support Center at (609) 754-3154.