Friday, May 22, 2009

Objective Rome

For those that did not know, the veterans of Whatcom County, through the Whatcom Volunteer Center, answered the following call on 16 May, Saturday:

A young guy, aged 47, living with degenerative disc disease. He is a very friendly guy, talks slow due to previous brain surgery. He is very friendly, and his previous volunteers have enjoyed helping him. He lives alone except for his dog. Jeffery needs moss removed from his roof, gutters cleaned, and lawn mowing. He has an electric mower.

The project was dedicated towards a non-specific event for one of the troops involved. We call these "unspokens." It was officially titled Objective Rome.

For those that stepped up for this project or for any of our projects:

Thank you.

Because of your efforts people are living better lives. And even though service is nothing alien to any of you, this time there is less pay and less people that know about it.

For those that missed it, Jeffery, the individual we helped on Saturday, became emotional when he found out that soldiers had come out to help him. He made it a point to shake everyone’s hand and thank them for their service.

You are part of something far greater than any one of us. Who knows all the benefits that come out of this. We help others. We help ourselves. We inspire the youth and encourage the older.

And we make dirty jokes in between.

SPECIAL THANKS TO BERNEDETTE AND MIKE for bringing out the food and sacrificing their bumper for our hunger!! We can’t be more appreciative.

Thank you to the following organizations for their crucial support:

Veterans of Modern Warfare
Center for Citizen Leadership - The Mission Continues (Both Chris' and Eric)
DAV
VFW
Whatcom Community College Veterans' Club
Western Washington University Veterans Outreach Program (Erik, Jana, etc.)
War Experience Project (Rick)


Photos are available on my facebook. I know… I’m trying to post the pictures on a created website so EVERYONE can see them and not just those with a facebook account. However, if you do have a facebook, you can see them by going to my photos on the account associated with my email.

The following are coming up that I need help with:

23 May, Saturday Morning Ski to Sea Parade: We have a float being built for the Ski to Sea Parade. What we need are bodies to walk behind the truck as it goes down. Feel free to pull out an old blouse or trousers or hat or something to identify you as a vet. If not, no worries – just show up – we need the support. More importantly, we need others to know who we are and that we do exist in their community. I’ll be sending more specific information out as I get it.

31 May, Sunday morning Service Project: I have a very small service project planned for the 31st of May. There is an eighth grader doing a large-scale project for graduation on soldiers after war and wishes to experience service. His brother just joined the Army as an infantryman and is currently in training in Georgia. I think this is an awesome way to introduce the warrior ethos to this youth as to gain insight into the commitment of his older brother. I only need about 5 guys or gals for this project so shoot me an email if you’re interested.

27 June, Saturday Morning: We have two persons in need in the community who are requesting our assistance through the Whatcom Volunteer Center. One will be chopping wood as to prepare this person for the winter, and the second will be cleaning out a garage (no rats this time) and cleaning up her yard, patio, and gutters. More details to follow in the near future.
And for those of you who have not checked out Ash Woolsen's and Rick Lawson's website please do so - they worked very hard on it and for a very honorable cause:
http://www.vetretreat.com/

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

Mike Pereira
(360) 296-1406