Flock of Angels in DC

I’d mentioned previously that Soldiers’ Angels was a sponsor for the 2007 Milblog Conference on May 5th in DC. I guess because of the critical mass of Angels that planned to attend that event, several other Angel activities were planned for that weekend, a couple of which I got to attend. So here’s the Angel round-up…

It quickly became apparent that Patti Patton-Bader was as big a celebrity at the conference as some of the milbloggers. Not only did she found Soldiers’ Angels, but she continues to be a driving force in so many of the activities. Like I mentioned about the milbloggers, she is passionate, dedicated, and appears to have a boundless reserve of energy. Oh, and she has two sons in uniform. It is a pleasure and a delight to be one of her Angel troops. She participated in a panel called “More than Just a Bumper Sticker” along with MaryAnn of Soldiers’ Angels Germany, Sandra Edens of Sew Much Comfort and Roxie Merritt of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. What an awesome line up of women, huh? Oh, and the panel was moderated by the indomitable Major Chuck Z, the very first recipient of a Valour-IT laptop.

You’re sorry you missed it, aren’t you? :-)

I also met Laurie, Robin, Judy, Roger, Lisa, MaryAnn, Chris, Matt, Beth, Rich, Rachel & Jeff, and saw Kathi, Jill, “Bob”, Monica, Lynette and Lynette’s son again. There were several other Angels that I didn’t get to meet but who also attended an Angel breakfast on Sunday. We went around the room and introduced ourselves, said where we were from, how we got involved, and what Angel things we’re up to. It was so amazing how many of these people had NEVER met each other – I’m telling you, these were some of the Who’s Who of Soldiers’ Angels, and before last weekend they had only known each other from email, phone conversations, or the SA Forum. How cool, huh? And fortunately I had a cool idea BEFORE the event, and brought with me a white SA T-shirt and a sharpie. We now have a cool collectible to raffle off for some future fundraiser. Stay tuned…

And that wasn’t the end! The coolest event was yet to come….

On Sunday afternoon, SA sponsored a BBQ for our veteran patients and their families staying at Mologne House Hotel at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda. SA has sponsored similar events in the past, but this was extra special as the very first recipient of a Valour-IT laptop got to present the 1000th laptop (plus a few more)! Chuck Z gave a little speech directed at those who are now where he was about 2 years ago. His willingness to get up and share his experiences is really wonderful. “Don’t give up, push forward, you can do it” is more meaningful coming from someone who has "been there done that" and created his own line of t-shirts, right? His bizarre sense of humor sets just the right tone, too (ha). He has an equally terrific wife who participated in a panel at the milblog conference and at SpouseBuzzLive this weekend and offers an equally helpful perspective for spouses of the wounded.

More details on the BBQ from another Angel blogger here. Great PICTURES, too! Very, very, very cool.