Honoring Our Wounded Warriors

On Memorial Day we honor our fallen heroes--those men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This morning I will be at a local Memorial Day service, listening to my grandpa give a speech on the Merchant Marines. After his speech, my sister will be reading a poem written by a mariner who recently passed away, and I'll be singing "This is My Son" (by the bluegrass band, Cherryholmes). We are privileged to have a part in honoring the military this day.

But let us also remember our military men and women who are still serving our country today, as well as those who have come home wounded.

With that in mind, today's guest is KC Frantzen! KC was here in April to ask for our support of the Wounded Warrior Getaway, and now she is back to share with us how the latest WWG went. I think you'll be blessed by her report:

Spring Wounded Warrior Getaway – Boerne, TX
April 28 – May 1, 2011

This year's theme: 2 Corinthians 3:17

"…Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Absolutely right!

This Wounded Warrior Getaway (WWG) was at once the most intense and the most peaceful, from my perspective. Prior to everyone's arrival, there seemed to be a variety of attacks and "fiery darts" trying to derail the event in some form or fashion.

But we started on time and the folks who were supposed to be there, came. Thirty-six volunteers from all over the country arrived to help – California to Florida, Illinois to Texas - and my husband and me from Tennessee.

This was our third time to be blessed working in ministry side by side with these warriors and their families. As he says, "It's the highlight of our year."

About 35 warrior families came, several with as many as five children!!

Inspiring Speakers

Our keynote speakers were Clebe and Deanna McClary. (I had the privilege of meeting them last August, when a friend and I helped with the MARSOC Getaway in Myrtle Beach, SC.) They are one amazing couple with a phenomenal story and ministry, Clebe having won both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. If you want to know more, check out their books. Great reads!

How thankful we are that people like the McClarys put others first, showing their concern not only for physical healing but especially for spiritual healing. They truly exhibit the love of Christ, having been there, done that with Clebe's 30+ major surgeries and countless weeks of rehab after his severe injuries in Vietnam. Please remember them in prayer.

Because God used them in such a powerful way, 4 people came to faith in Christ before Sunday morning, and 3 more during the Sunday service. Who knows since then, how many have thought about the eternal truths of God's perfect love that the McClarys shared?

Warriors and the Wild West

MANY thanks to those who sent thank you notes. (I was hoping there would be more because they are so meaningful. Maybe next time?! HINT HINT!!!) Books were sent, along with gift cards and some prizes for the BBQ and Saturday night event too.

We fill welcome bags with these donated items to make the family's stay more enjoyable. Of course, there are also items for them to take back to their apartments or places they stay while their warrior is still in recovery.

** Think about this. It was the third time we saw some of the same families, which means their beloved warrior is still in treatment. This wears on relationships and the WWG serves as a time of refreshment for those who are weary.

We had a western theme, which meant a lot of fun for all. Not only did we have a petting zoo (with pig, lamb, baby chicks and a statuesque Holstein with saddle for photo-taking), but we had a chuck wagon making biscuits and peach cobbler over the fire *YUM!*, a trick roping demonstration and a wonderful evening with Dr. Gene Howard, a dead-ringer for John Wayne.

Things ran smoothly as we ministered to the families. Many had heard what a great weekend it is and were ready to get away from endless appointments and packed schedules so they could be a family for awhile.

Stories of Healing

And oh the stories. One lady warrior thanked us repeatedly for making her middle child feel special. Six recommitted their lives to Christ. One senior was ready to go to her first ever prom Saturday evening. There was talk amongst the volunteers about who was good with hair and makeup. Deanna McClary (former pageant winner) to the rescue! We found some hot rollers and Ellen, our volunteer who always hosts the spa time, had lots of Mary Kay cosmetics and skin care for the pretty teen to enjoy. She started to bloom… By the time Cinderella left, she was stunning. The next morning she teared up and told us she never thought she could look so beautiful.

Being a dog person, I had to meet Bosley. On the first occasion I sat on the floor enjoying his company and looked up at his master, a lady warrior.

A chill ran through me as I recognized her from two previous WWG's. She has terrible PTSD, nightmares and she sleep-walks.

When I said her name, she smiled broadly. Truly, I did not recognize her, she looked so fantastic! She shared how Bosley had changed her life. Her awesome dog has made all the difference. She is one of the people who came to faith in Christ this time.

Your prayers are so important. Thank you!

One young couple have been married three years. Not long after they married, he went to Iraq, survived a blast, and is now in a wheelchair. They've been having a very tough time, but after hearing the McClarys, they met with Deanna privately and told her they wanted what she and Clebe have. This couple both accepted the gift of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone Saturday evening. Watching them "dance" at the Saturday night event was one of the most memorable scenes for me.

An older warrior made a point to see each volunteer and gave us a special commemorative coin from Iraq. He said the WWG had changed his life. That he was going to be a much better husband and father from now on, as he puts Christ back into the center of his home.

How YOU Can Help

These are random thoughts, but I trust it gives you a glimpse into this outstanding Grace ministry. As always, volunteers pay our own way.

Joni and Friends takes donations to cover the cost of the Warrior families who attend, as they are not charged for the long weekend. Please send to:

Joni And Friends San Antonio
1370 Pantheon Way, # 165
San Antonio, TX 78232

I hope you will consider volunteering yourself, and getting your own group involved. There is a tremendous need with so, so many young men and women returning wounded – which in turn has a devastating impact on the family. They've done their duty. It is our duty to be faithful and take care of them in recovery.

Please PRAY: For the Joni and Friends San Antonio staff, who do things with love and excellence, for the volunteers, and especially for the warriors and their families. And DO join us next time with your support, and hopefully your presence(!), as we minister to our heroic American Warrior families.

Monday for the Military: WWG

Some of you may recall the last time I hosted KC here on my blog to talk about the Wounded Warrior Getaway. (For those of you who are new or would like to read the interview again, click HERE.) Here's a description of the WWG from the website:

"Our Wounded Warrior Getaway is a three-day time of respite and spiritual refreshment specifically designed for American servicemen and women who've become disabled as a result of war."

Such a blessing!

Today KC is here to share some ways in which you can help our wounded warriors!

"Wounded Warrior Getaway

April 28 - May 1, 2011 · San Antonio, TX

We are excited to share the Good News again.

It's time for the spring WWG through Joni and Friends, in conjunction with BAMC.

So many have asked us, 'What can we do to help?'

Here are some things needed for the upcoming WWG:

GIFT CARDS - any amount, any stores.

For example, at www.target.com you can purchase cards online and they will send them directly to the WWG for you .

I'm sure others do the same.

CHRISTIAN BOOKS (and music) - fiction or non-fiction.

THANK YOU NOTES - write as many families as you can and thank them personally. Address it however you like (American Heroes, Warrior Families, whatever...). Get your Sunday School group together, kids to make drawings, your block, people at work, civic clubs, wherever. Put them all in a big envelope and send them to Kay. We put these notes in each bag for the families when they arrive, so we want to be sure to have enough for several in each bag. :-)

This just takes a little time and very little money. Please do this. The families continue to say how meaningful they are.

PRIZES - cameras, Wii games, larger amounts on gift cards. We use these at the banquet Saturday evening, and throughout the time they are together.

MONETARY DONATION - the cost this year is $500 per person. There is NO COST to any warrior family. I believe there are 35 families signed up, and a waiting list!!! This fee covers all meals, entertainment, transportation if needed and lodging for the families. Those of us who volunteer pay our own way. Your monetary donation of any amount will help. Ask for a tax receipt when sending your donation, if you would like one.

Please send everything to arrive ON OR BEFORE April 21 if at all possible. Must be received by April 25 or your gifts will go into storage for the next WWG.

SEND TO:

Joni & Friends – San Antonio
1370 Pantheon Way, # 165
San Antonio TX 78232
Attn: Kay Merket

For more information about the WWG, click HERE.

[And click HERE to read another interview with KC and to learn more about the WWG.]

Thank you. We look forward to serving our Warrior Families again this year. It is an HONOR. Please join us in support, even if it's some thank you notes from the heart!!!

And most of all, please pray as you are led.

Steve & Karen Frantzen

(Amber here: Thank you so much, KC, for all that you do for the United States military and specifically our wounded warriors! You are an amazing example of loving and humble service.

Readers, if you'd like to learn more about the WWG please don't hesitate to e-mail me at:

stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net

I'd be more than happy to share more from KC or get you in contact with her!)

Monday for the Military: Meet KC Frantzen

Today we have a very special guest! A few weeks ago I left a comment on the Seekerville blog for one of the authors about "Mondays for the Military." Imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail from another reader, excitedly telling me about people she knows in the military and about the program she helps with called "Wounded Warrior Getaway!" KC Frantzen and her husband both volunteer with WWG, and I'm thrilled to feature her today and give you a glimpse at this amazing program and the ways you could help!

So please join me in welcoming KC to "Seasons of Humility!"

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today, KC! First of all, could you explain a little bit about yourself and the "Wounded Warrior Getaway"?

KC: Thank you for asking me to share about this fantastic program. (Waving to you and your readers!)

Joni Eareckson Tada has a 5 minute segment each morning on Moody Radio. ("Joni and Friends" presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people affected by disability, and their families, around the world.)

One particular morning in early 2009, Joni was talking about Family Retreats and mentioned they had recently started one for Wounded Warriors. I called my husband and he immediately agreed - this is something we wanted to do!

Amber: How does WWG serve military men and women? Do you have an example or two that you could share with us?

KC: Over 30 families participate at the Texas WWG. Most warriors have profound injuries: lost limbs, agonizing burns. Almost all have PTSD or TBI or perhaps are still in the hypervigilant stage of readjustment. With burns as an example, warriors endure 20, 30 or more surgeries. When they say "endless doctor's appointments and therapy", that is what is meant.

The real key to the WWG is family. This is the ONLY program in the U.S. that enables the entire family to come at NO CHARGE for an extended period (long weekend) not just a few hours. Donations from grateful American companies and individuals pay for the family's stay. (Volunteers raise our own support.)

Concerns vary with age: Why did this happen to me and my family? Why does God allow people to die? Why is my warrior Dad or Mom like this (angry, distant, disabled, disfigured, zombie, a wreck)? Will they ever get better? Will I have to be "the parent"? Will we ever escape psychiatrists writing everything down? Will we have to redeploy?

Two of the most poignant questions from warriors are: How can I provide for my family when I can't take care of myself? What if the pain is so bad I can't take it?

Some know a lot about Jesus Christ, some a little, and some seem to have never heard.

We serve them by being available, honest and loving. We are there to give the warriors and their spouses/caregivers unfettered time. We care for their children as if they are our own, so parents can fully give themselves to reconnecting.

Breakout sessions are led by professionals, one for spouses/caregivers, one for warriors. Participants sometimes share, for the very first time, thoughts and feelings they've grappled with since their injury.

Amber: What are some of the ways you've seen God at work in the lives of those you are helping?

KC: At this past April's Getaway after church on Sunday, we had open mike time. Two sang. One read a poem she had penned. Some commented: "I never knew there was something like this for my family. We really needed it and will be back and we'll tell others." And another said: "You all showed us what love is. You are Genesis to Revelation to me." One teen tried to tell us how much we had helped her dad… but could not finish for weeping. A lady warrior had everyone give us volunteers a standing ovation. They were amazed that some of us travel "so far" to minister to them.

(They have given EVERYTHING; we show up for a weekend.)

My favorite scene from the April getaway was out by the lake. A big ol' warrior was bagged out on a blanket under a Texas-size spreading live oak, knees up, ignoring all the water activities and rock climbers. On his chest was his little 18 month old daughter. They just communed for the better part of an hour. THIS is what the WWG is all about.

Here's a portion of an email already in our inbox when we returned home.

"Joni & Friends Team:

I would like to say a great big THANK YOU! Joni & Friends and all who were involved as well as the Warriors/families that participated blessed my soul and my wife's (also a warrior). I pray this can be implemented at most major military installations that deploy Soldiers frequently (Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Carson, CO; Fort Benning, GA or Fort Stewart, GA; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Drum, NY; Fort Riley, KS; Fort Polk, LA & Fort Campbell, KY). It is a chance for families to be renewed and strengthened inside and outside. God has definitely taken something like a disability that most would say is a negative or bad thing, and made it into a true blessing and the devil can’t stop it. God never ceases to amaze me how He orchestrates miracles and blessings in a dim situation. With the Love and kindness shown, people will be drawn to Him. You all did that!!!"


Amber: Wow! This is a powerful program!

Have you learned anything about humility while working with WWG that you could share with us?

KC: YES! One is humbled in the presence of true heroes. The officer forced to make excruciating decisions after the IED explosion - his medic was killed and he couldn't save all his men. The warrior who wants to be a good husband and father, but can hardly care for himself. The wife who stands by the man she loves, the man who has changed so dramatically through no fault of his own. The teen who struggles with protecting his younger siblings and Mom OR trusting that his Dad can truly be in charge of the household once again. The husband who tenderly nurses his beautiful wife (now an amputee) back to health.

When a warrior stops you in the parking lot to chat, then pours out his heart and asks you to pray with him - This is holy ground, and it IS humbling.

The most humbling thing of all is to realize that you are part of someone's eternal destiny. Over a dozen people came to faith in Christ at the April Getaway.

Amber: What are some of the ways we could learn more about WWG and get involved (actively, financially, or otherwise)?

KC: Please click HERE to go to the website or call 210-481-5664. The program is expanding because of the urgent need. (I heard on the radio last week that over 25,000 wounded Marines have returned. That's just the Marines.) In addition to the events twice a year with Brooke Army Medical Center, Joni and Friends has added getaways with Walter Reed Army Hospital. The first one was last month.

As far as participation, there are several ways for grateful Americans to join in. Families receive goodie bags upon arrival. We need items like handwritten thank you notes, Christian books and music, Bibles, snacks, crayons, gift cards. We also have prizes such as cameras, DVD players, Wii games. Many choose to donate dollars, to sponsor events such as the BBQ dinner, climbing wall, fishing, horseback riding or an afternoon of pampering.

But the best way is to come join us and see for yourself! These experiences have greatly blessed our marriage, serving the Lord and our warrior families in this way.

Amber: How can we pray for you and all those involved with WWG?

KC: Prayer is THE most important part. Pray especially for the Chaplains. Especially them…

Kleenex alert!!! Charlynn, one of the volunteers, takes part as a clown and other characters too! Here is a sample of her impression of things and some prayer requests:

"I know many of the soldiers and their families. We have stayed in touch with each other over the two years since the Wounded Warrior Getaways began. I look forward to meeting the newcomers and welcoming them with the overflowing joy of the Lord.

The returning children look forward to seeing Care EE the clown, having their faces painted and playing with all the funny clothes, hair and hats. But I never cease to be amazed at the site of grown men, grinning from ear to ear as they try on floral hats, boas, and wigs that make them look like Rock Stars. It is better than Disneyland - and it is certainly like no place on earth.

Two new warriors came in our "Imagination Station." The husband and wife (both soldiers, both wounded) tried to take it all in, while smiles of wonderment broke across their faces. A green haired volunteer began to make her "sales pitch."

"Over here, you can try on one of these lovely outrageous costumes. Located on the shelves, fancy hats to assure you feel, well... fancy. And as you can see strewn across the tables against the walls - wigs of every color, length and style."

Their heads twisted from side to side. They laughed. The wife put on a pink and white feather boa and topped her look off with a "Salvador Dali" style artist's beret. Her husband started looking through the hairpieces and wigs, carefully weighing each style. Care EE was quick to assist.

"No, what I am looking for is something I can clip on." He was particular and purposeful. He finally found an elaborately braided clip-on blonde hairpiece which he attached to his safari hat. He flung his new found persona into Rock Icon mode. His wife laughed. They both posed for the commemorative photo.

She only had one leg. He had suffered burns over 80% of his body.

Who could have imagined this day? Who would have predicted their laughter?

From Psalm 126 The Message "We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations. "God was wonderful to them!" God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people."

Pray for "appointments" with the Great Physician
Pray for healing of unseen psychological wounds
Pray for wisdom of the volunteers handling the breakout sessions with the warriors and caregivers
Pray for enduring strength for the volunteers and staff of Joni and Friends
Pray for time with our guest speakers to make an impact
Pray for joy everlasting through salvation
Rejoice for the victories
Rejoice for greater is He that is with us, than he that is in the world
Rejoice for the resurrection power
Rejoice for the freedom we have to share the Gospel
Rejoice that death has no victory
Rejoice for our King is on the way"

[Also,] there is a WWG Oct 27-31, so pray for all participants, please!

Amber, I'm so glad to have "met" you through the gracious ladies at Seekerville. You're doing a wonderful job with your own blog and are a super inspiration to me!

If anyone wants to ask questions directly, they are welcome to contact me. Know that I'm only a volunteer, but I'm honored, and yes, humbled, to help our military any way I can.

Thank YOU for your heart!!!!

Amber: KC, it has been a pleasure to feature you and WWG today. Thank you for the wonderful example of love, caring, and dedication you have shown us. You are an inspiration, and may God bless the work that you and others are doing through WWG!

Note to readers: I just thought I would draw your attention to a new page for "Mondays for the Military." (The list of pages is in the top right section of the sidebar.) It includes a list of upcoming events and a way to contact me concerning this feature. Thank you for making it such a success!