We also had the opportunity to meet up with a new friend-Dana Lamberson- that we met at the Snowball Express last December. The Snowball Express started with a simple idea: provide hope and new memories to the children of the military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11. In Dec of 2006, nearly 900 family members from all across America and the world gathered in Southern California for an unforgettable Holiday gathering. "Kids and widows discovered they weren't alone. And found they weren't forgotten".
Bubba and I were invited to participate last December by our friend Tom Lee who is on the Board. The organization is thinking about possibly moving the venue to Florida in the future. But it will be hard to beat the terrific event those Texans hosted- WOW! American Airlines flies most everyone in gratis and Niemen Marcus steps up with some fantastic gifts. The energy is electric and a fun event during a time many of these families are so missing their loved ones. The most striking thing we noticed was the camaraderie between the "moms" and kids...they really bond and forge year round friendships and support to each other.
www.snowballexpress.org for more info and ways you can participate
SURVIVORS OUTREACH SERVICES/ARMY
It was great to catch up with Dana. Her husband, Rand Lamberson died from injuiries when his HV rolled over an IED in Iraq on his daughters birthday, April 10, 2006. Rand served in the Army's 1st Batalion, 506th Army Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division stationed at Fort Campbell...making him the 141 in his division to die in Iraq. His loss to Dana and their two children has been huge and everlasting. And I quote one his fellow soldiers (the movie Band of Brother's was based on the Regiment)- "Rest in peace Lambo! Eyes out front, Duty First and Fury from the Sky!" As we Orthodox say, MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
www.506infantry.org/his4bct/his
Dana was quite involved in the formation of the SURVIVORS OUTREACH SERVICES/ ARMY. Dana served on a panel selected by General Casey (then Chief of Staff) who had the vision and compassion to propel the effort to support Survivors beyond casualty assistance alone. This is a program , formed in 2008, as a joint effort between the Installation Management Command, the Family and morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, and the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operation Center-dedicated to " building a unified support program which embraces and reassures Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family for as long as they desire." After much work, blood, sweat and tears (my words) much has been done to help the Survivors which of course includes their children.
The loss of a SOLDIER is not a topic people want to talk about, but it is a reality of military life. Bubba and I have had the privilege to visit so many military bases to observe the rigorous training that goes on. While grief is a very personal situation with the proper support group in place it is a help. It is overwhelming for most to triage through the military regs and benefits, the VA benefits and more. The most meaningful thing we can do to honor OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS is to support and care for those they left behind. Thank you Dana and the other wives and folks who worked so diligently to make a difference to the fallen's families. Bravo!
www.myarmyonesource.com/familyprogransand services/
or www.military.com/military-report/army-survivor-outreach-services
