thedrifter
11-01-06, 02:20 PM
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Wounded warriors recuperate together
Jenny Sokol
Columnist
The Orange County Register
bjs92@adelphia.net
"The Marines talk all the time here. 'I'm having trouble with this. I need help with this,' " Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sommer says. "It's very therapeutic for them."
The Marines living at the Wounded Warrior Center on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base need to talk. This is the place where they have come to heal.
The center, designed to house 26 residents, opened two months ago to support Marines who no longer require hospitalization for their war-related injuries, but are not well enough to return to their units.
Nine residents currently live in the center, which was designed to look more like a home than a barracks or hospital.
Many on the staff are rehabilitated Wounded Warriors themselves; they are eager to guide their brothers to recovery as well as help them navigate the often complex medical system. While the nature of the current injuries ranges from gunshot wounds to post-traumatic stress disorder, the facility also is equipped to support amputees and patients who use wheelchairs.
Sommer, a member of the all-military staff, explains that the Marines spend most of their days at hospital appointments with doctors and physical therapists. Then they return to the center to relax, eat dinner together, watch television in their rooms or just talk.
For these men, the battle didn't end in Iraq. But thanks to the center, the Marines won't be left to fend for themselves as they continue to recuperate, undergo medical review boards and determine whether to remain in the Marine Corps.
Once a week, residents gather for a free class taught by UC Irvine adjunct Professor Pamela Kelley. The course focuses on American history and civil-rights law. Kelley offers effective student strategies and tips in the hopes that the Marines will consider continuing their education.
Communities and companies across Orange County have reached out to the center since its August inception, throwing pizza parties and weekend barbecues for the Marines.
St. Clement's-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente recently donated $2,500 toward the center's galley and will accept offerings at the annual Marine Corps Birthday/Veteran's Day celebration and traditional cake-cutting ceremony after services Nov. 12 (202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, or www.stclementsbythesea.org).
When pressed for a wish list, Sommer relented, admitting that "portable DVD players and DVDs would be nice, so the Marines can watch movies while they wait for care." In addition, the center would appreciate electric razors, gift cards to be used to purchase basic hygiene items, and PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 games. To donate, contact Wounded Warrior Center, P.O. Box 555192, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5192.
The Wounded Warrior Center is more than just a place where our heroes can nurse their wounds. It's tangible proof that the Marine Corps will stand beside its own beyond the battlefield and through rehabilitation.
It's only fitting that the residents of Orange County do the same.
Ellie
Wounded warriors recuperate together
Jenny Sokol
Columnist
The Orange County Register
bjs92@adelphia.net
"The Marines talk all the time here. 'I'm having trouble with this. I need help with this,' " Staff Sgt. Lawrence Sommer says. "It's very therapeutic for them."
The Marines living at the Wounded Warrior Center on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base need to talk. This is the place where they have come to heal.
The center, designed to house 26 residents, opened two months ago to support Marines who no longer require hospitalization for their war-related injuries, but are not well enough to return to their units.
Nine residents currently live in the center, which was designed to look more like a home than a barracks or hospital.
Many on the staff are rehabilitated Wounded Warriors themselves; they are eager to guide their brothers to recovery as well as help them navigate the often complex medical system. While the nature of the current injuries ranges from gunshot wounds to post-traumatic stress disorder, the facility also is equipped to support amputees and patients who use wheelchairs.
Sommer, a member of the all-military staff, explains that the Marines spend most of their days at hospital appointments with doctors and physical therapists. Then they return to the center to relax, eat dinner together, watch television in their rooms or just talk.
For these men, the battle didn't end in Iraq. But thanks to the center, the Marines won't be left to fend for themselves as they continue to recuperate, undergo medical review boards and determine whether to remain in the Marine Corps.
Once a week, residents gather for a free class taught by UC Irvine adjunct Professor Pamela Kelley. The course focuses on American history and civil-rights law. Kelley offers effective student strategies and tips in the hopes that the Marines will consider continuing their education.
Communities and companies across Orange County have reached out to the center since its August inception, throwing pizza parties and weekend barbecues for the Marines.
St. Clement's-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente recently donated $2,500 toward the center's galley and will accept offerings at the annual Marine Corps Birthday/Veteran's Day celebration and traditional cake-cutting ceremony after services Nov. 12 (202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, or www.stclementsbythesea.org).
When pressed for a wish list, Sommer relented, admitting that "portable DVD players and DVDs would be nice, so the Marines can watch movies while they wait for care." In addition, the center would appreciate electric razors, gift cards to be used to purchase basic hygiene items, and PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 games. To donate, contact Wounded Warrior Center, P.O. Box 555192, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5192.
The Wounded Warrior Center is more than just a place where our heroes can nurse their wounds. It's tangible proof that the Marine Corps will stand beside its own beyond the battlefield and through rehabilitation.
It's only fitting that the residents of Orange County do the same.
Ellie