thedrifter
07-24-06, 08:41 AM
Marines always keep their promises
Marie Jon'
July 23, 2006
Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons of Modesto, California, died April 24th at the age of 20 old while serving his country.
Simons died while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twenty-nine Palms, California.
In May of this year I wrote about Marine Aaron W. Simons' death and the heart wrenching effect it had as Mother's Day was drawing near. We recently learned from the Simons family of a very important life saving promise that Aaron made before he died.
Could it be possible that the providence of a loving, Almighty God is falling into place as this ongoing true life story unfolds concerning Aaron's promise? The answer is yes.
While Aaron Simons was stationed in Iraq he heard about a little girl who helped the troops speak the Iraqi language. Aaron was extremely dedicated to the mission.
The Iraqi people were of great interest and passion to Aaron. He longed to talk with each and everyone that he felt God sent his way. Working with the Iraqi people on a personal level was very important to this outstanding hero. Loving other people came very easy to this outgoing, charming, and vibrant young Marine.
Winning the hearts and minds of the good Iraqi people was not hard for Simons. His heart overflowed with love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. Aaron was the genuine article who reflected "a great and faithful servant."
When Aaron met the little Iraqi girl, he was over taken by her unfortunate plight of illness. Many children of Iraq suffer from a parasite found in Iraqi soil. The parasite enters the bodies through the feet and can attack the kidney, liver, and other organs of small children. Sandals and vitamins can help protect children from the parasite.
Unfortunately for little twelve year old Hamade Hadeal, the dangerous parasite had already done its damage. This sweet precocious child had already fallen victim. Her small frail body is failing.
Marine Aaron Simons told little Hamade that if it took every penny he made as a soldier, she would receive the very best of care. He longed for the day that she would no longer be sick. Somehow, Aaron's promise will be kept.
I personally believe in miracles. Many are recorded throughout God's Old and New Testament.
God's workings come from many different directions. "The Great I Am" can move and cause miracles to happen through the hands and actions of different people.
Physicians, with proper procedures and medications, can be a part of the Almighty's perfect plan. People from all over the world are working together to fulfill God's ordained plan for Hamade.
Since late April, the Simons family, with the help of Aaron's friends in Iraq, are working 24/7 to keep hope alive for the little girl. Roadblocks will not deter these people chosen by God to make Aaron's promise come true for a needy and worthy little girl.
While Iraqi doctors in Baghdad refused to treat Hamade, others are pushing through and ignoring the odds against her recovery. God bless America. From her very beginnings this country embraced their Judeo-Christian beliefs that choose life. People who serve a living Lord simply won't give up the fight to save her.
Miracles are happening. An Indian man offered $5,000 towards the cost of having a leading specialist in his home country treat Hamade.
As one who knows her heavenly Father, I am making a personal plea. Let's all pray for Hamade. This is your opportunity to be part of God's miracle.
In God's eyes, "all things are possible" to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, including a Marine's promise
Here is an article from The Modesto Bee:
"On Wednesday, it looked like the Marines, a congressman and the Blue Star Mothers had moved enough medical mountains to keep a fallen Modesto Marine's promise to save a dying Iraqi girl.
"On Thursday, an adult dose of reality had hundreds, if not thousands, holding their breath for the fate of 12-year-old Hamade Hadeal.
"Military physicians are consulting with doctors worldwide, trying to decide whether the child can stand up to travel and the ordeal of the liver-kidney transplants that likely are needed to save her life.
"Marine Lt. Col. Larry White, who along with Navy Cmdr. Tara Zieber, is treating Hamade, wrote an e-mail explaining the extenuating circumstances of the case. The letter was sent to Debbie Katsounakis, president of the Central Valley Chapter of Blue Star Mothers and Families.
"Katsounakis was leading a full-court press to help the girl on Tuesday and Wednesday. She sent fellow mothers, hospitals and lawmakers word of the girl's plight and her connection to Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons of Modesto. Simons had promised fellow Marines he would save the girl, even if he had to pay for her care himself.
"White's update on Hamade said: 'The outpouring of goodwill in this case is heartening, because it reflects the generosity and caring spirit of the American people. We should be very cautious in how we represent this case, however. Raising some funds through donations is one thing, but her long-term care will likely require significant, sustained provision of resources (we're talking hundreds of thousands, if not in the millions here) and in all likelihood, her prognosis may still be poor.'
Expensive drugs a sticking point:
"White and doctors from Jordan, India and the United States are deciding what to do and where it can be done. One of the sticking points is the expense of anti-rejection drugs Hamade will need for the rest of her life. White indicated they might cost $15,000 a month.
"Katsounakis said she still believes the miracle will happen. She said she is motivated by Simons, the young Marine who died in an April 24 rocket attack on his base in northern Iraq.
"We owe it to Aaron and his sacrifice and his family,' she said.
"In two days, Katsounakis received hundreds of replies to her appeal. A Tracy doctor offered to help bring the child to Stanford. An Indian immigrant offered to pay $5,000 toward getting Hamade to a leading specialist in his home country.
"With the help of Rep. Dennis Cardoza, Merced, Hamade almost was on her way to Children's Hospital Central California in Madera. Cardoza had been alerted by Chip Langman, a staffer in his Merced office. Langman's mother received the Blue Stars Mothers' appeal and sent it to her son.
"The e-mail tree went from California to India and Iraq and back. Katsounakis said she has received more than 150 responses and the number is growing.
"It has been a rocky road for Hamade and those who want to help her.
"Since late April, Marines trying to make good on Simons' pledge to help the girl have met one roadblock after another. Iraqi doctors in Baghdad refused to treat Hamade and sent her home to die.
"On Wednesday, the Blue Star Mothers, Cardoza and Children's Hospital Central California tried to come to the rescue.
"Cardoza gave credit to his staff and said it is always a privilege to help, whether someone is in trouble overseas or needs an assist like this." When we hear about cases like this, you have to have compassion.
Congressman lends a hand:
"'We have a mom who lost her son and a girl with horrific problems,' he said. 'A lot of people are going out of the way to fulfill the dying wish of this soldier. Far be it from me to get in the way.'
"Cardoza noted he was lucky enough to live in a country where he could get the kidney surgery he needed when he was 6 years old.
"The reality is there is a sick girl in the Middle East and she's going to die unless we bring her to America,' he said.' If I can help her or some other child, I will.'
"John Bray, Cardoza's aide in Washington, said Thursday that everyone now is taking a step back to let the doctors decide what's best.
"Even if Cardoza hadn't received word through Langman, he certainly would have heard about it from Aaron Simons' family.
"Charlotte Simons said she and her husband forwarded the Iraqi girl's story to everyone they knew, including Washington lawmakers.
"When Aaron died, all these officials sent us nice plaques and said they wanted us to call if we ever wanted anything," said Aaron's mother. "We told them, 'This is what we want.'
"John Simons said the first time that he and his wife learned of Hamade's story and Aaron's desire to help her was at his son's funeral.
His son's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Nick Marano, wrote on the unit's Web site that the young Marine had vowed to help the girl. Marano's pledge to fulfill Aaron's promise was relayed to the family at the funeral.
"The elder Simons said he and his wife learned more when his son's best friend, Lance Cpl. Ian Kutner, wrote them a letter.
"When we were deployed, Aaron wanted to speak Arabic,' Kutner wrote.'we went to the Arabic side of (our) camp. We heard about a young girl (who was dying) but none of the other Marines had done anything (but talk about it). Aaron and me, we made a pact.
"Whatever happened to us, even if we had to pay for it ourselves, we would save this little girl.' The two Marines made almost daily visits to help Hamade and her family.
Many children suffering in Iraq:
"Navy physician Lt. Mark Rasmussen tried to help the Marines and Hamade by seeking help in the Central Valley. He was raised in Visalia. In subsequent e-mails and phone interviews, he talked about problems beyond Hamade.
"There's another little girl with heart failure who needs surgery. A doctor at another base is working with the Mayo Brothers Clinic,' he reported. 'She'll die within a year without corrective heart surgery.' He also said many children suffer from malnutrition because they walk barefoot and pick up parasites. He said for a pair of sandals and pennies worth of vitamins, the malnutrition problem could be solved.
"There's a lot of tragedy here and no way to handle it all,' Rasmussen said.
"For those who want to help Hamade Hadeal or other Iraqi children with sandals or vitamins, contact Debbie Katsounakis at 209-410-2467 or the Simons family by e-mail at simons.j@sbcglobal.net.
"Bee staff writer Roger W. Hoskins can be reached at 578-2311 or rhoskins@modbee.com."
Related Readings links:
A reflection on Mother's Day — Lance Cpl. Aaron William Simons killed in Iraq
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/jon/060509
Ellie
Marie Jon'
July 23, 2006
Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons of Modesto, California, died April 24th at the age of 20 old while serving his country.
Simons died while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twenty-nine Palms, California.
In May of this year I wrote about Marine Aaron W. Simons' death and the heart wrenching effect it had as Mother's Day was drawing near. We recently learned from the Simons family of a very important life saving promise that Aaron made before he died.
Could it be possible that the providence of a loving, Almighty God is falling into place as this ongoing true life story unfolds concerning Aaron's promise? The answer is yes.
While Aaron Simons was stationed in Iraq he heard about a little girl who helped the troops speak the Iraqi language. Aaron was extremely dedicated to the mission.
The Iraqi people were of great interest and passion to Aaron. He longed to talk with each and everyone that he felt God sent his way. Working with the Iraqi people on a personal level was very important to this outstanding hero. Loving other people came very easy to this outgoing, charming, and vibrant young Marine.
Winning the hearts and minds of the good Iraqi people was not hard for Simons. His heart overflowed with love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. Aaron was the genuine article who reflected "a great and faithful servant."
When Aaron met the little Iraqi girl, he was over taken by her unfortunate plight of illness. Many children of Iraq suffer from a parasite found in Iraqi soil. The parasite enters the bodies through the feet and can attack the kidney, liver, and other organs of small children. Sandals and vitamins can help protect children from the parasite.
Unfortunately for little twelve year old Hamade Hadeal, the dangerous parasite had already done its damage. This sweet precocious child had already fallen victim. Her small frail body is failing.
Marine Aaron Simons told little Hamade that if it took every penny he made as a soldier, she would receive the very best of care. He longed for the day that she would no longer be sick. Somehow, Aaron's promise will be kept.
I personally believe in miracles. Many are recorded throughout God's Old and New Testament.
God's workings come from many different directions. "The Great I Am" can move and cause miracles to happen through the hands and actions of different people.
Physicians, with proper procedures and medications, can be a part of the Almighty's perfect plan. People from all over the world are working together to fulfill God's ordained plan for Hamade.
Since late April, the Simons family, with the help of Aaron's friends in Iraq, are working 24/7 to keep hope alive for the little girl. Roadblocks will not deter these people chosen by God to make Aaron's promise come true for a needy and worthy little girl.
While Iraqi doctors in Baghdad refused to treat Hamade, others are pushing through and ignoring the odds against her recovery. God bless America. From her very beginnings this country embraced their Judeo-Christian beliefs that choose life. People who serve a living Lord simply won't give up the fight to save her.
Miracles are happening. An Indian man offered $5,000 towards the cost of having a leading specialist in his home country treat Hamade.
As one who knows her heavenly Father, I am making a personal plea. Let's all pray for Hamade. This is your opportunity to be part of God's miracle.
In God's eyes, "all things are possible" to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, including a Marine's promise
Here is an article from The Modesto Bee:
"On Wednesday, it looked like the Marines, a congressman and the Blue Star Mothers had moved enough medical mountains to keep a fallen Modesto Marine's promise to save a dying Iraqi girl.
"On Thursday, an adult dose of reality had hundreds, if not thousands, holding their breath for the fate of 12-year-old Hamade Hadeal.
"Military physicians are consulting with doctors worldwide, trying to decide whether the child can stand up to travel and the ordeal of the liver-kidney transplants that likely are needed to save her life.
"Marine Lt. Col. Larry White, who along with Navy Cmdr. Tara Zieber, is treating Hamade, wrote an e-mail explaining the extenuating circumstances of the case. The letter was sent to Debbie Katsounakis, president of the Central Valley Chapter of Blue Star Mothers and Families.
"Katsounakis was leading a full-court press to help the girl on Tuesday and Wednesday. She sent fellow mothers, hospitals and lawmakers word of the girl's plight and her connection to Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons of Modesto. Simons had promised fellow Marines he would save the girl, even if he had to pay for her care himself.
"White's update on Hamade said: 'The outpouring of goodwill in this case is heartening, because it reflects the generosity and caring spirit of the American people. We should be very cautious in how we represent this case, however. Raising some funds through donations is one thing, but her long-term care will likely require significant, sustained provision of resources (we're talking hundreds of thousands, if not in the millions here) and in all likelihood, her prognosis may still be poor.'
Expensive drugs a sticking point:
"White and doctors from Jordan, India and the United States are deciding what to do and where it can be done. One of the sticking points is the expense of anti-rejection drugs Hamade will need for the rest of her life. White indicated they might cost $15,000 a month.
"Katsounakis said she still believes the miracle will happen. She said she is motivated by Simons, the young Marine who died in an April 24 rocket attack on his base in northern Iraq.
"We owe it to Aaron and his sacrifice and his family,' she said.
"In two days, Katsounakis received hundreds of replies to her appeal. A Tracy doctor offered to help bring the child to Stanford. An Indian immigrant offered to pay $5,000 toward getting Hamade to a leading specialist in his home country.
"With the help of Rep. Dennis Cardoza, Merced, Hamade almost was on her way to Children's Hospital Central California in Madera. Cardoza had been alerted by Chip Langman, a staffer in his Merced office. Langman's mother received the Blue Stars Mothers' appeal and sent it to her son.
"The e-mail tree went from California to India and Iraq and back. Katsounakis said she has received more than 150 responses and the number is growing.
"It has been a rocky road for Hamade and those who want to help her.
"Since late April, Marines trying to make good on Simons' pledge to help the girl have met one roadblock after another. Iraqi doctors in Baghdad refused to treat Hamade and sent her home to die.
"On Wednesday, the Blue Star Mothers, Cardoza and Children's Hospital Central California tried to come to the rescue.
"Cardoza gave credit to his staff and said it is always a privilege to help, whether someone is in trouble overseas or needs an assist like this." When we hear about cases like this, you have to have compassion.
Congressman lends a hand:
"'We have a mom who lost her son and a girl with horrific problems,' he said. 'A lot of people are going out of the way to fulfill the dying wish of this soldier. Far be it from me to get in the way.'
"Cardoza noted he was lucky enough to live in a country where he could get the kidney surgery he needed when he was 6 years old.
"The reality is there is a sick girl in the Middle East and she's going to die unless we bring her to America,' he said.' If I can help her or some other child, I will.'
"John Bray, Cardoza's aide in Washington, said Thursday that everyone now is taking a step back to let the doctors decide what's best.
"Even if Cardoza hadn't received word through Langman, he certainly would have heard about it from Aaron Simons' family.
"Charlotte Simons said she and her husband forwarded the Iraqi girl's story to everyone they knew, including Washington lawmakers.
"When Aaron died, all these officials sent us nice plaques and said they wanted us to call if we ever wanted anything," said Aaron's mother. "We told them, 'This is what we want.'
"John Simons said the first time that he and his wife learned of Hamade's story and Aaron's desire to help her was at his son's funeral.
His son's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Nick Marano, wrote on the unit's Web site that the young Marine had vowed to help the girl. Marano's pledge to fulfill Aaron's promise was relayed to the family at the funeral.
"The elder Simons said he and his wife learned more when his son's best friend, Lance Cpl. Ian Kutner, wrote them a letter.
"When we were deployed, Aaron wanted to speak Arabic,' Kutner wrote.'we went to the Arabic side of (our) camp. We heard about a young girl (who was dying) but none of the other Marines had done anything (but talk about it). Aaron and me, we made a pact.
"Whatever happened to us, even if we had to pay for it ourselves, we would save this little girl.' The two Marines made almost daily visits to help Hamade and her family.
Many children suffering in Iraq:
"Navy physician Lt. Mark Rasmussen tried to help the Marines and Hamade by seeking help in the Central Valley. He was raised in Visalia. In subsequent e-mails and phone interviews, he talked about problems beyond Hamade.
"There's another little girl with heart failure who needs surgery. A doctor at another base is working with the Mayo Brothers Clinic,' he reported. 'She'll die within a year without corrective heart surgery.' He also said many children suffer from malnutrition because they walk barefoot and pick up parasites. He said for a pair of sandals and pennies worth of vitamins, the malnutrition problem could be solved.
"There's a lot of tragedy here and no way to handle it all,' Rasmussen said.
"For those who want to help Hamade Hadeal or other Iraqi children with sandals or vitamins, contact Debbie Katsounakis at 209-410-2467 or the Simons family by e-mail at simons.j@sbcglobal.net.
"Bee staff writer Roger W. Hoskins can be reached at 578-2311 or rhoskins@modbee.com."
Related Readings links:
A reflection on Mother's Day — Lance Cpl. Aaron William Simons killed in Iraq
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/jon/060509
Ellie