Over the years, one of our great rewards has been getting to know some of the young men who served with 3/5 during their combat deployment to Afghanistan.  Because of the numbers wounded and killed, we create and put programs into place to assist those Marines when we can.  It has become clear that though  our assistance was initially monetary to ease personal financial or health crises, the aspect which has made the most difference to them was the psychological “lift” given by knowing a community cared.

In April, we had visits from three Marines on separate occasions.  Marcus Chischilly  came up to participate in a presentation to Rotary Club of Mission Viejo; Josue Barron stopped by with his wife and 2 toddler boys to let us know the good things  happening in his life; and Capt Tom Schueman, still in the Corps, came by with his expectant wife to visit before he heads across country to complete his Masters in English at Georgetown in prep to teach a few years at the US Naval Academy as part of his continued service.    .    We feel honored they keep in touch with us, and we celebrate their continued life journeys.

Josue, along with other prior wounded, have begun attending Toastmasters International, learning to speak comfortably in front of groups, in order to gain confidence and enable them to share their stories of resilience and recovery to others who can benefit from their wisdom.

If you are a member or leader of a club or group who would like to learn more about inviting one of the veterans to  speak, please contact me at 35robbins@gmail.com