our mission table of contents - landstuhl hospital care
TRANSCRIPT
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 1
Our Mission The Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (LHCP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides comfort and relief items to military service members who become sick, injured, or wounded from service in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. When LHCP began, shipments were mainly sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
This year, LHCP focused on shipments to Afghanistan, Germany, stateside VA hospitals and centers, Qatar, and special projects here at home and overseas.
Mental health care providers distribute items to patients at their facilities or items are distributed during an ‘open house’ event to touch base with those that may not seek help.
Donations to LRMC and the Middle East are done through the Chaplains’ Closet, medical staff or pastoral staff. This allows all in-patients, out-patients, LRMC liaisons, LRMC nurses, and medical escorts access to supplies. The purpose of the program is to enhance the morale and welfare of the wounded by contributing quality of life items such as clothing, personal care items, blankets, DVDs, games, and electronics for entertainment during hospitalization or to help decompress during staff down time.
LHCP also supports several Veterans Administration hospitals stateside by donating clothing items to enhance the morale and welfare of our veterans.
Our “Stitches of Love” sewing, knitting, and quilting group consists of dozens of women throughout the U.S. and Germany who craft their famous comfort travel pillows, fleece blankets, quilts, and Christmas stockings along with other homemade items that are shipped to deployed units.
Each month, care providers at medical facilities identify their patient needs. LHCP sends only those items desired by staff. Each shipment is sent in honor of a military member who has made the ultimate sacrifice of his or her life in service to our country. Hospital staff report that when patients learn that they and their fallen service members are remembered “back home”, spirits are lifted.
Table of Contents
Our Mission……………………………………….. 1
Letter from the President……………………. 2
Our Organization……………………………….. 3
Accomplishments………………………………. 4
Stitches of Love (SoL)…………………………. 5
Stateside VA Hospitals………………………… 5
Shipping Statistics………………………………. 6
Troop Thanks…………………………………….. 7-8
Financial Report…………………………………. 9
Summary of Accounting Policies………….. 10
Certification and Recognition………………. 11
Officers and Board Members………………. 12
Contact Information…………………………… 12
Program Coordinators……………………..... 13
Sponsor Events…………………………………. 14-15
Corporate and Civic Sponsors…………….. 16
Combined Federal Campaign Donors…. 17
2015-2016 CFC Agencies……………………. 17
Honorees for 2016…………………………..... 18-19
Arlington 2016..………………………………… 20-21
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“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 2
Letter from the President On behalf of the Board Members of Landstuhl Hospital Care Project, it is my pleasure to present to you the 2016 Annual Report. Our year has been one of hope, courage and change. We always begin the year with the hope that all who are sent into harm's way will return safely to their loved ones. We hope that each person we serve through our comfort and care items will have the courage to endure their deployment or stay in a VA facility. In 2016 LHCP saw continued shipments to our Navy and Air Force Transition Programs in Germany where many warriors returned from deployment to spend a few days adjusting or readjusting to what should be normal. We also saw an increase in the number of shipments going to the Middle East. We have wonderful folks here at home fund raise for LHCP so that comfort and care items can be purchased (pages 14-15). Pillows, made by very dedicated Stitches of Love group members, lots of pillows, were sent for those long flights or for an outpost where comforts of home are few and far between. Our Stitches of Love folks also sent hundreds of Christmas stockings to our military deployed and to our veterans in VA Facilities here at home. You, our sponsors, and donors are our life line! We thank you for your continuing commitment and dedication to helping us provide the comfort and care items that make such a big difference in the lives of our military who are deployed or receiving treatment or care at a VA facility. As we close 2016 and look forward to 2017, I am reminded of a quote from Archibald Rutledge My Colonel and His Lady, “What a man’s true worth is in this world depends on the kind of wake he leaves behind him as he passes through life.”
Each of us leaves a wake as we pass through this life and our prayer is that LHCP continues to leave a wake that touches the lives of our military that receive the comfort and care items we send. We hope they know that they are cared for by people back home. Respectfully submitted, Karen Grimord
Karen Grimord, LHCP President
Founder and Packer
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 3
Our Organization Landstuhl Hospital Care Project is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Virginia. LHCP has received an advanced ruling of eligibility for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code effective May 26, 2005. The Directors who form our Board live in Virginia, Alabama, Idaho, and South Carolina. You may learn more about the Board of Directors by clicking on the Contact Us page at our website: www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org.
Snacks in Navy Warrior Transition Program
Sembach AB, Germany
When LHCP first began operations as a “grass roots” organization in 2005, the Founder (Karen Grimord) formed a Yahoo Group to better enable distribution of current information to our members. In 2016, LHCP had over 356 different donors from 32 states, the District of Columbia, and one country who have contributed in-kind donations and monetary donations.
Shorts in Sailors' Closet
Warrior Transition Program, Sembach Germany
New Sweats!
LHCP provides support to our troops in three main ways, donations (i.e., t-shirts, sweat pants, phone cards) to our troops in the military hospitals, handmade pillows, blankets, and other crafts through our Stitches of Love program. Many different groups support our efforts by providing donations of goods as well as monetary donations. Four main groups who support our efforts are:
Corporate sponsors and their employees
LHCP Facebook and Yahoo group members
Individual sponsors
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
Firewood for fire pit at WTP, Sembach,
Germany
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 4
Accomplishments
Support for our Troops Items such as thermal blankets and travel pillows are used to provide comfort to the wounded during transfers between hospital facilities. To provide this support, we shipped the following in 2016:
216 Sheets
503 Pillow inserts (travel and comfort pillows)
919 Towels and washcloths
348 Thermal blankets
LHCP has also shipped a variety of personal hygiene supplies, food, and snack items to units. LHCP attempted to fill all requests. The majority of these items are paid for with funds from our cash donations. In 2016 we sent:
10,360 Food and snack items
196 Toothbrushes and holders
94 Toothpaste
750 Feminine hygiene products
148 Sunscreen
53 Deodorants
50 Mouthwash
1,015+ Other personal care items Additionally, LHCP’s successful mission was able to offer the following clothing and household items:
1,142 Sweat pants, sweat shirts, hoodies
401 Shorts
615 T-Shirts
410 Socks
878 Flip flops, clogs and slippers
585 Men’s and ladies boxers and briefs
96 Jeans
508 Skull caps, scarves, gloves
72 Sports bras
570 Duffle bags and backpacks
1,803 Other clothing and household items
In 2016, LHCP was able to deliver the following: Electronics
173 DVDs
11 Games
12 (4,500 minutes)Phone cards
33 iTunes cards
8 Play Station games
8 MP3 games Medical
1,188+ Miscellaneous medical items Morale, Welfare and Recreation
423 Books
185 Cards
13 Magazines
8 Game balls
44 Games
100 American flags
1,781 Office supplies and crafts
20 Christmas trees
12 Bikes and bike equipment
164 Outdoor fire pit and accessories
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 5
Supporting Stateside VA Hospitals
While the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project main focus is to provide comfort and relief items for military members who become sick, injured, or wounded from service in the Middle East, we also support a few stateside Veterans Administration hospitals and homes. For nine years, LHCP has supported the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) with comfort and relief items and clothing for hospital patients and the homeless domicile.
Idaho Veterans Home
Jim Spliedt, LHCP Secretary, delivered 62 Christmas Stockings to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello, Idaho where stockings were given to each of the facilities residents. Jim also brought Christmas stockings to the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City where he delivered 155 Christmas stockings. A Letter to LHCP Dear Landstuhl Hospital Care Project, Thank you for your kindness, generosity, time, and effort that you all put into making Christmas for our veterans so very special. Your beautiful handmade Christmas stockings were so amazing. It meant so much to the Veterans to see that they were thought of and cared for during the holiday season. Words can’t express the joy you brought to the Veterans Home. Thank you for your endless support, Carrie Leavitt Acitivity/Volunteer Coordinator Idaho State Veterans Home
Stitches of Love (SoL)
Christmas Stockings
Stitches of Love (SoL) consists of a group of incredibly talented ladies who sew specific items for our wounded military. The quilts and blankets help keep military patients warm on the cold flights from Afghanistan to LRMC in Germany and also on the medic flights back to the states. The transport flights can be long and we want our wounded defenders to be as comfortable as possible in transit. The group also crafts comfort pillows that are used to prop up a wounded or broken limb. The SoL members craft their pillows in fun, colorful fabrics to help brighten patients’ moods. In the late summer and early fall, the SoL members start crafting beautiful and festive Christmas stockings. In 2016, the SoL members crafted 2,531 handmade items. They made items such as comfort pillows and pillowcases, summer and winter weight fleece blankets, quilts, and Christmas stockings. This group spends countless hours making these items for our troops.
Troops with Comfort Pillows
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 6
Shipping Statistics LHCP shipped over 18,247.56 pounds of comfort and care items in 517 packages. Shipments of comfort and relief items headed to Afghanistan, Germany, Qatar, Veterans hospitals and centers in the United States. The total cost for shipping the comfort and care items to support the LHCP mission was $9,009.64. Of the 517 packages shipped, 89 went to Afghanistan and 175 went to LRMC in Germany. The following chart shows the shipping weights and numbers of packages shipped in 2016.
2016 Shipping Statistics
Country Weight
(lbs) Packages
Afghanistan 2,077.26 89 Germany 10,659.11 175 VA and Veterans Hospitals 1,886.53 121 Qatar 3,616.53 131 Special Projects 8.46 1
Totals 18,247.56 517
Boxes loaded and headed to Post Office
LHCP provides opportunities to youth for
school service hours
Boxes at Post Office
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 7
Troop Thanks LHCP has received notes of thanks from the troops and Chaplains that we serve by email or “snail mail”. LHCP posts the notes on our website. The following is a sampling of these notes and letters.
28 July 2016 Ma’am, Thank you so much for the most recent donations. The corn hole board was opened and immediately put to use by our deployers, as were the Frisbees. The next time that our students and staff use the things you sent, I’ll send a few pictures. Everything that you have sent has been put to good use by our deployers. Just two weeks ago one of the students had lost luggage between down range and here. The clothes that you have been able to donate provided an excellent option for this student and greatly relieved the stress of the lost luggage. V/R, Msgt SO Mental Health
22 August 2016
Ma’am,
We have received your shipment of towels and pillows. Thank you so much! The members here are greatly appreciative.
Very Respectfully,
N W. W, SSgt, USAF Mental Health Technician
20 September 2016 Good Day Ma’am, I received the packages, thank you very much. We put together goodie bags for a group of kids who were coming over to meet us and our Afghan counterparts. We were going to show them the airplane and afterwards give them their goodie bags. Unfortunately, ten minutes prior to us beginning, we had an active shooter on the Afghan base where we work out of. All the Americans had to hump back to our American base and the Afghans were holed up in their own bunkers. After all was cleared, we were allowed back on the Afghan base but all the kids were gone and they handed out the bags to them. Before they left as I instructed them as I didn’t know how long we were going to be holed up for so I wasn’t able to get any photos with them. I did get photos of us handing out some of the charity donations to the Afghan orphanage. That was pretty cool and they were very grateful for the donations. I’ve included some photos as well. Thank you for the donations and everything else. It has been a pleasure. I’m leaving next week and I’m looking forward to seeing the family again and meeting my new daughter in person. Take care. V/R TSgt TC Respectfully, NCOIC, Mental Health Clinic
Afghan orphanage receiving donations
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 8
Troop Thanks (Continued)
19 May 2016
Good Day Ma’am,
We received the packages from LHCP and I wanted
to say thank you very much. It was very
heartwarming to see that an organization is taking
time out of their schedule and providing us with
mementos of home. Seeing the other troops’ smiles
when they saw the Hostess treats was one of the
best moments I’ve had since I’ve been here. Thank
you and LHCP again for thinking of us and
providing a little reminder of home.
V/R
TSgt TC
Troops with Snacks
2 February 2016
Good afternoon ma’am,
I just wanted to send our many thanks and gratitude
to all of you who have sent us the fantastic
donations. The pillows and the blankets have been a
HUGE hit and have gone very quickly. We look
forward to continuing to work with you throughout
our deployment here.
Respectfully,
NCOIC, Mental Health Clinic
27 April 2016
My name is Judy Strickland, I want to thank you for
all the truly lovely pillows that you send for the
traveling soldiers. I wish you could see all the
smiles on so many faces from those who have
received your pillows.
I have sent you copies of our latest Kabel magazine
that tells of happenings in the Kaiserslautern
Military Community and the local area. Please look
on page 24 and the photo of the Soldiers with your
pillows. In writing you I am fulfilling a promise I
made to Airman Sharp (the gentleman on the left).
He was truly overjoyed when he picked out his
travel pillow that you sent. He said he wanted to
personally thank you and tell you how very much it
meant to him and his buddies that you thought
enough of them to make and send the pillows. He
really wanted to personally thank you so this is our
way of passing on his heartfelt thanks to you. The
thanks was also echoed by his buddies in the
picture. They are smiling to you also in the picture.
Please know how much you and your helpers
generosity means to these fine young men and
women in uniform. Thank you for caring about
them and being so generous with your support by
the lovely pillows.
Thank you so very much,
Sincerely,
Judy Strickland
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 9
Financial Report
STATEMENT FINANCIAL POSITION
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Cash in bank - operating $162,151.83
Total Checking/Savings $162,151.83
Total Current Assets $162,151.83
TOTAL ASSETS $162,151.83
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Equity
Unrestricted (retained
earnings) $163,809.59
Net Income $(1,657.76)
Total Equity $162,151.83
TOTAL LIABILITIES &
EQUITY $162,151.83
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income $ (1,657.76)
Net cash provided by
Operating Activities $ (1,657.76)
Net cash increase for
period $ (1,657.76)
Cash at beginning of
period $163,809.59
Cash at end of period $162,151.83
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Income
Donations 51,482.65
Donations-CFC 26,706.04
Donations-Click & Pledge 2,866.00
Donations-Give Direct 538.01
Total Income $81,592.70
Program Expenses
Bedding 14,120.12
Books and Publications 1,035.75
Clothing 19,805.62
Electronics 269.72
Groceries 690.31
LRMC Mission Support 8,688.85
Medical Supplies 6,015.70
MWR 3,837.90
Personal Care 1,819.28
Postage-Shipments 9,213.21
Shipping Supplies 3,468.13
Total Program Expenses $68,964.59
Administrative Expenses
Advertising 2,620.54
C&P Processing Fees 562.67
Fees-Legal, Special 4,093.85
Office Equipment 11.99
Office Supplies 665.37
Postage-Administrative 324.19
Telephone 1,861.10
Website 4,146.16
Total Admin Expenses $14,285.87
Total Expenses $83,250.46
Net Ordinary Income $(1,657.76)
Net Income $(1,657.76)
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 10
Summary of Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Income Tax Status The organization qualifies as a non-profit tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and; therefore, has no provisions for federal or state income taxes. Under IRS regulations, LHCP files the IRS Form 990 each year to report income, in-kind donations, and expenditures.
Non-Cash Contributions
Landstuhl Hospital Care Project received donated goods with a Fair Market Value of $21,676 These goods consisted of donated books and publications, clothing and household goods, food, drugs and medical supplies, electronics and miscellaneous items. All donated items were distributed to recipients within 30 days.
Administration Costs
Landstuhl Hospital Care Project is a 100% volunteer organization with no paid staff, officers, or directors. The officers and board of directors are committed to a goal of keeping all administration costs to 10% or less of donations received, ensuring that the overwhelming majority of our resources go towards those service men and women supported through our efforts. In 2016, our administrative costs were 13.8% with the largest portion of the costs going for advertising and legal and special fees. Our administrative costs are higher this year due to fewer donations and increased costs for services to maintain an up to date web presence and web site security features.
Other administration expenses for 2016 include filing and service fees to register LHCP in many states as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Other administrative costs are generally monthly or quarterly expenses, such as the printing and mailing of our newsletter, telephone, and website.
LHCP participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). In 2016, LHCP advertised for the CFC in the Best of CFC, Stars and Stripes and CFC Web Bureau for the Fall 2016 campaign. The largest administrative costs were incurred for legal and Special Fees (including the accounting fees for an independent third-party accountant to audit our financial records annually to ensure accuracy.) Fees are paid to prepare the annual IRS Form 990 which reports the financial activities of LHCP. The Board considers this audit report important for the transparency of our organization’s records.
Responsible Stewardship
LHCP manages its funds responsibly and prudently. LCHP is committed to the responsible use of its assets; to provide accurate, complete and objective information; to respect the confidentiality of financial and other information; to act in good faith and exercise due diligence with all transactions; to comply with all rules and regulations; and to proactively promote ethical behavior. Responsible stewardship includes the following considerations:
LHCP does not accumulate operating funds excessively and its operating and administrative costs are prudently managed.
Board members and volunteers are expected to protect and maintain confidentiality regarding LHCP’s property; including cash, equipment, records, and beneficiary information.
All financial reports are factually accurate and complete in all material respects.
Administrative Costs with Monetary and In-Kind Donations
Administrative
Costs 13.8%
Monetary and In-Kind Donations 86.2%
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 11
Certification and Recognition
Combined Federal Campaign Program
LHCP, once again in 2016, qualified as a charity listed with the Combined Federal Campaign Program. Charities approved to receive funds through the CFC are required to submit to extensive review of their financial and governance practice prior to acceptance. This eligibility review has helped set standards for participation in giving initiatives that transcend the community. LHCP has participated in the annual Combined Federal Campaign since 2008. The CFC Designate Code is 12282.
Combined Federal Campaign Program Qualified 2016
LHCP CFC Designation Code is 12282
MFVSOA Federation With involvement in the CFC, LHCP is also a member of the Military, Family and Veterans Service Organization of America (MFVSOA) Federation. LHCP became a MFVSOA member in 2009 and continued this membership through 2016. LHCP will remain a federation member in 2017 as well.
Independent Charities Seal of Excellence
LHCP maintained their “Member in Good Standing” in the Independent Charities of America during 2016. LHCP has been a “member in good standing” with the Independent Charities of America (ICA) and Local Independent Charities of America (LICA) earning the designation as “Best in America Certified by Independent Charities of America” since 2009.
Independent Charities of America “Best in America” Seal of Excellence
The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the U.S. Government for inclusion in the CFC, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000 or 5%, meet or exceed these standards. Of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this seal.
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 12
Officers and Board Directors
Karen Grimord
Founder and President Serving LHCP since 2004
James Spliedt
Secretary Serving LHCP since 2007
Contact Information Every month, donations of money or items requested by the hospitals we serve help us prepare our shipments. Contributions will be appreciated by all those that are serving our country. You can find more information on donating to LHCP by going on the How to Help page of our website or use the contact information below:
Mailing Address (correspondence only): Landstuhl Hospital Care Project
29 Green leaf Terrace Stafford, VA 22556
Sharon Buck
Treasurer Serving LHCP since 2005
Donna Bolen
Vice President Serving LHCP since 2009
Website: www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org
To inquire about organizing a drive or fundraiser, contact President and Founder: Karen Grimord
Email: [email protected]
Monetary Donations are sent to:
Landstuhl Hospital Care Project c/o Sharon Buck, Treasurer
4204 Summerville Road Phenix, City, AL 36867
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 13
Program Coordinators
Special Projects Coordinator
Jenna Keyton
Historian
Stitches of Love Coordinator
Wayne Thume
Webmaster
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 14
2016 Sponsor Events
AmVets Post 21, Sebring FL The Sons of AmVets Post 21 in Sebring, Florida hosted their annual benefit to support the LHCP mission on 27 February 2016. Riders from all different Legions, VFWs, and AmVet groups arrived for the run. The weather was beautiful. The event was successful with great donations and support. Riders and supporters were entertained with live music, great BBQ, and lots and lots of door prizes. LHCP remains grateful to Sons of AmVets Post 21 for their continued support.
Ready to Ride
American Legion Riders Post 189 Norwich NY
Honor
Excerpt from 1st Quarter 2016 Newsletter Article written by “Yankee” Bill Fowler, U.S. Army, Retired
Our chapter members all agree that what we like best about LHCP is that it is a smaller and more personal charity – the fact that we were able to become friends, whether in person or via email/internet, with the leaders has been awesome. We were initially attracted to the stated mission and we all could empathize with wounded service members showing up in a strange hospital (and country) with nothing but the bloodied uniform they were wearing. To be able to provide anything for those that have given and sacrificed so much…is so rewarding for us. The American Legion and its associated “families” always try to “give back” to their local communities. The Legion Riders of Post 189 consider our support of the LHCP a way to “Give Back” to all the local communities of our Nation and we are always in complete awe of the monumental amount of good works that LHCP does for the often forgotten people that guarantee the freedoms we all enjoy.
Beautiful Day for a Ride
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 15
2016 Sponsor Events Healing Heroes Concert
For the fourth year, the Healing Heroes Concert has been another great success! LHCP is proud of the hard work and dedication of the Songwriters Spotlight, Grace Chapel and all the LHCP supporters from Tennessee. The concert was held on Sunday, 6 November 2016 at Grace Chapel in Franklin, TN. The performers donating their time and talents were Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, Matt Jenkins, Leslie Satcher, Scott Reeves, Ron Block and Raven Cliff. Special thanks to Korene Stevens, Even Stevens, and David Allen for their organization and dedication in making the Healing Heroes concert a wonderful success again. We truly appreciate it!
Great Performance!
Great Group of Folks!
Ray Ray’s Sports Bar
Ray Ray’s Sports Bar in Houston, TX held their 10th annual fundraiser for LHCP on Veterans’ Day, 11 November 2016. Each Veterans Day Ray Ramirez and Jane (Mickey) Palomo put their heads together and organize an event to help raise funds for our military service members who are overseas. This year they sold at least 100 hamburger dinners to help the LHCP mission. We are so grateful for their continued hard work, dedication and support to our military service members. Although, some health issues could have undermined this event, they did not. The gang from Ray Ray’s moved forward to grill burgers for our service members. Thank you Ray Ray’s!
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 16
Corporate and Civic Sponsors
Advanced Billing LLC, TN American Legion Auxiliary Unit 42, PA American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62, AZ American Legion Auxiliary Unit 89, VA American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189, NY American Legion Auxiliary Unit 110, FL American Legion Auxiliary Unit 112, OH American Legion Auxiliary Unit 132, OH American Legion Auxiliary Unit 135, FL American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290, VA American Legion Auxiliary Unit 364, VA American Legion Auxiliary Unit 428, WI American Legion Auxiliary Department of Missouri, MO American Legion Post 189, NY American Legion Post 326, TX American Legion Post 74, FL American Legion Riders Post 10, VA American Legion Riders Post 189, NY AmVets Ladies Auxiliary Post 21, FL Bad Axe Free Methodist Church, MI Bellwether Church Children, MS Beyond the Call of Duty Ministries, Inc, FL Brandl Farm, WI Brookdale HR L&D and TM Teams, TN C & T Associates, PA Campbell’s Collision Center, FL Community Health Charities, VA Conway Elementary School, VA
Daughters of the American Revolution, WV Daughters of the American Revolution Covina Chapter NSDAR, CA Daughters of the American Revolution Mary Chesney, OH Daughters of the American Revolution Reelfoot Chapter, TN Doc's Harley Davidson of Shawn County Inc, WI Etter Melissa 10th Birthday Party, TX Everglades Foods, FL First United Methodist Church, MI GateWay Technical College, WI GoodShop, CA High Plains Surgical Associates P. C., WY Holy Family R. C. Congregation, IL Independent Charities of America, CA Jackson Creek Estates, FL Jimmy Rice Electric LLC, TN Meredith, Karol, Ashley and Jared, TN Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary, OK Ray Ray's Sports Bar, TX Songwriters Spotlight Healing Heroes Concert, TN Sons of AmVets Post 21, FL Sons of AmVets Squadron 21, FL Sons of the American Legion Squadron 189, NY St Bernard’s Church, WI St Mary's R. C. Congregation, IL Standard Textile Co., OH United Way CA Capital Region, CA
2015-2016 Individual and Family Sponsors Addotta, V., VA Aley, B., FL Arseculeratne, R., VA Auman, C., PA Badgley, B., MI Badgley, J., MI Baker, D., PA Baker, R., TN Bath, D. & M., AL Beesley, C., TN Berg, D., VA Berger, B., CT Berger, S., TN Best, R., TN Beyer, G., TN Black, B., TN Blass, H., TN Bolen, P. & D., SC Bonilla, L., FL Booth, C., TN Bowers, C., TN Bowman, M., TN Boyd, K., TN Braband, R., MN Broeker, J., FL Brown, L. & B., SC Buck, S., AL Bunnell, S., TX Burkel, D., MN Buttery, D., TN Cairns, B., TN Cantrell, S. & S., TN Capraro, D., TN Carter, S., TN Castro, G., TX Chenard, R., TN
Clawson, D. & D., WI Cobb, P., NY Crist, M., TN Curtis, C., NY Dunn, P., TN Eanes, L., VA Etter, M., TX Evans, J., TN Faulk, S., TN Fitzgerald, S., TN Fowler, S., NY Freeman, R., TN Frenzel Jones, E., MN Fry, C., TN Gerold, M., NV Gibson, H., TN Gill, C., NY Glenn, J., TN Goetz, A., TN Gonzales, C., TX Gonzales, V., TX Granquist, K., SD Griffus, C., TN Grimord, D., NC Grimord, K., VA Gurney, W., VA Guzman, P., TX Hagan, J., TN Hall, J., TX Halstead, M. & D., TN Hardin, R., TN Harman, J., TN Harman, J., TN Hearne, C., TN Hembrough, K., TN High, T., TN
Hillyard, K., TN Hobgood, S., TN Hockett, S., TN Hopper, D., TN Hoy, B., TX Hurley, P., FL Jackson, V., TN James, W., NC Johnson, L., TN Johnson, V., TN Jones, E., MN Karels, K., MN Kelly, P., CA Kelso, B., TN Kingham, J., VA Kolter, I., TN Kolts, T., TN Labrec, L., TN Lambert, R., MD Lantz, B. & S., TN Law, S., TN Lee, S., TN Lemon, R., TX Lemon, S., TX Mahy, B., TN Marion, D., TX Marshall, J., TN Marti, C., TN Marti, C., TN Matthews, D., TN McAdams, P., MN McCarthy, W., VA McHale, L., NV McKay, A., AZ Messick, A., TN Morgan, D., VA
Neff, C., OK Nichols, H., TN Nierstedt, C., NJ Nock, B., TN Norgaard, M., WI Ojeda, G., TX Oneill, A., TN Oppold, K., FL Orourke, D., TN Orrico, P., WA Ortiz, G., TX Page, G., TN Palomo, D., & J., TX Parent, I., TN Parks, J., TN Patronik, J., DE Pena, A., TX Pepoon, S., TN Peterman, K., TN Pineau, B., France Prickett, J., SC Priska, G., NC Pummill, P., CA Quirk, C., WA Ramirez, R., TX Rappleyea, C., NY Rice, B., TN Rivers, C., AR Roberts, G., TN Rojas, M., TN Rueschhoff, J., TN Sadler, W., TN Samford, M., TN Sanders, S., MS Sann, R., DC Schottekotte, S., FL
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 17
Scott, R., TN Seljeskog, P., SD Serafini, M. L., CT Shamblin, K., TN Shirley, D., TN Simpkins, C., TN Sindelir, D., TN Sipkovsky, R., TN Smith, R., TN Snider, Y., TN
Soeder, J., TN Sosa, E., TX Sosa, M., TX Spoden, M., MN Spay, M., TX Steinman, M., NV Stevens, E., TN Strobel, S., KS Stutte, T. & J., TN Suddleson, E., CA
Swain, L. & L., SC Tao, D., TN Thornton, A., TN Tokita, Y., TX Toombs, D., FL Unknown, D., TX Unknown, D., VA Unknown, S., WI Vaught, T., TN Waddell, C., NC
Wagner, D., NY Warnock, P., TN West, J., UT Wilson, E., TN Wolford, C., PA Yevich-Tunstall, I., VA Zimmerman, R., PA
2015-2016 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Donors
Adams, C., CO Aks, M., DC Beard, C., NC Bloome, M., Unk. Born, K., VA Cane, M., NY Castrovinci, R., WA Chandre, A., Unk. Cheal, N., Unk. Cleveland, M., Unk. Columbia, MO Covington, J., Unk. Danburg, M., Unk. Davis, E., PA Denard, H., TN DeVincent, P., Unk.
Doutrich, M., CO Dykes, J., Unk. Eberhart, M., Unk. Edwards, T., CA Erb, K., NC Flegel, W., MD Fox, C., LA Gallegos, A., AL Gittleman, S., FL Godinez, B., APO AE Goodman, M., APO AE Graham, H., Unk. Hammons, T., GA Hansen, D., HI Hilshey, W., MT Hollister, R., Unk.
Hubler, C., NJ Hughes, G., HI Hunter, C., KS Jones, K., TN Kalita, D., Unk. Knight, W., APO AE Kriotis, L., IL Long, J., CA Ludwa, C., OH Manuel, A., Unk. McCall, J., TN Meyers, R., ID Nickel, J., Unk. Nowowieiski, D., KS Pickett, M., MD Pickett, R., Unk.
Rees, E., VT Risher, T., Unk. Siler, M., VA Smith, J., AL Sparks, M., Unk Stanley, R., APO AE Staples, B., VA Stroupe, D., CA Stuard, N., Unk. Tanner, C., MT Thomas, D., OK Todd, M., TX Trost, M., APO AE Williams, J., TX Williams, K., Unk. Ziolkowski, P., ND
2015-2016 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Agencies
Alaska CFC Big Sky CFC Central Alabama CFC Central Oklahoma CFC Central Virginia Area CFC CFC Norcal CFC of Greater SoCal CFC of North Texas and Jackson County OK CFC of the National Capital Area Chesapeake Bay Area CFC Coastal Bend Area CFC Columbia Area CFC Eastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey CFC Fort Hood CFC
Gateway CFC Greater Mississippi CFC Greater New Orleans Area CFC Hawaii-Pacific Area CFC Heart of Alabama CFC Heartland CFC Inland Northwest CFC Intermountain CFC Johnson City-Mountain Home CFC Long Island CFC Metropolitan Atlanta CFC Middle Georgia Area CFC Midlands Area CFC Minot Area CFC
North Coast Ohio CFC Northern New England CFC Onslow County CFC Overseas CFC Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts CFC Rocky Mountain CFC San Antonio Area CFC Smoky Mountain Region CFC SoCal CFC South Central Kansas CFC Southeastern North Carolina CFC Tennessee Regional CFC Texas Gulf Coast CFC
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 18
2016 Honorees
January 2016
Army SSG Robert L Love Jr
Died 1 December 2006 Serving During Operation
Iraqi Freedom Age 28, of Livingston, AL; assigned to the 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany; died 1 DEC 2006 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq.
February 2016
Army 1LT Jaime L Campbell
Died 7 January 2006 Serving During Operation
Iraqi Freedom
Age 25, of Ephrata, WA; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, Anchorage, AK; died 7 JAN 2006 when a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Tal Afar, Iraq.
March 2016
Army SSG Jose Cintron Rosado Died 2 January 2011
Serving During Operation New Dawn
Age 38, of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico; assigned to the 1013th Engineer (Sapper) Company of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; died 2 JAN 2011 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
April 2016
Army PFC Errol DA Milliard Died 4 July 2013
Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
Age 18, of Birmingham, AL; assigned to 2nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, White Sands Missile Range, NM; died 4 JUL 2013 of injuries caused by a rocket-propelled grenade in Farah province, Afghanistan.
May 2016
Army SFC Kristoffer B Domeij
Died 22 October 2011 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom
Age 29, of San Diego, CA; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.; died 22 OCT 2011 in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
June 2016
Army 1LT Eric Yates
Died 18 September 2010 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom
Age 26, of Rineyville, KY; assigned to 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY; died 18 SEP 2010 in Maquan, Zhari district, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 19
July 2016
Army PFC Jaysine S Petree
Died 24 September 2010 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom
Age 19, of Yigo, Guam; assigned to 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, of the 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, of Fort Richardson, AK; died 24 SEP 2010 near COP Carwile, Afghanistan, while traveling between Ghanzi and Bagram Airfield, when her military vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was PFC William B. Dawson.
August 2016
Army SGT Brandon E Maggart Died 22 August 2010
Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
Age 24, of Kirksville, MO; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; died 22 AUG 2010 at Basrah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when a group of insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.
September 2016
Marine LCpl Kenneth E Cochran
Died 15 January 2012 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom Age 20, of Wilder, ID; assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, III Marine Logistics Group, Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa Japan and deployed to Afghanistan in November; died 15 JAN 2012 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
October 2016
Army CPT Bruno G de Solenni
Died 20 September 2008 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom
Age 32, of Crescent City, CA; assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team, Oregon Army National Guard; died 20 SEP 2008 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
November 2016
Marine LtCol Christopher K Raible
Died 15 September 2012 Serving During Operation
Enduring Freedom
Age 40, of North Huntingdon, PA; assigned to the Marine Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward); died 15 SEP 2012 at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan when insurgents breached the base using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Also killed was Marine Sgt Bradley W. Atwell.
December 2016
Air Force SSGT Travis L Griffin
Died 3 April 2008 Serving During Operation
Iraqi Freedom
Age 28, of Dover, DE; assigned to the 377th Security Forces Squadron, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM; died 3 APR 2008 near Baghdad, Iraq of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” – Calvin Coolidge Page 20
Arlington 2016
On 11 June 2016 LHCP was once again honored to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. It was also our privilege and honor to place flowers at the gravesite of honorees whom LHCP shipments have been dedicated. It is always a moving and emotional day. The wreath was placed by U.S. Army CWO4 (Retired) Bill Fowler, SFC Edward Toombs U.S. Army National Guard, Rebecca Lambert LHCP Group Moderator and Stitches of Love Coordinator, and CDR Ronald Pettigrew, CHC, U.S. Navy. Our wreath was created and donated by Robin Stoner, of Enchanted Petals. It was truly beautiful.
CDR Ronald Pettigrew, Rebecca Lambert, 2016 LHCP Wreath CWO4 (Retired)Bill Fowler, and SFC Edward Toombs
Each year our group shares their thoughts about the day. Standing at the top of the stairs, Bill Fowler reflected on the cost of freedom and we don’t appreciate the gift those buried have given. He also says there is a little bit of wonderment and reverence. Ed Toombs thought there had to be someone more deserving to participate in the ceremony. Diana Toombs said it was very emotional seeing the young woman with her infant child at the gravesite of her husband, who had given the ultimate sacrifice. Miss McKenzie said it was a privilege to honor the people and saw that some people were not paying the proper respect and it was disappointing. She would also like to learn more about Molly L. McKenzie whose name is at the Pentagon Memorial. McKenzie said she was honored to place flowers at her memorial. Miss Breanne liked placing the flowers at the gravesites. Mr. Nathaniel was also moved by the mother and child at the gravesite of their husband and father. After the ceremony, we were given a brief presentation from one of the guards of the Tomb. Jennifer liked hearing the Sergeant of the Guard talk about the honor of serving as one of the Tomb Guards. Paul was very moved when he and McKenzie placed flowers at the grave of 18 year old Sam. It was an honor to meet so many of the WWII and Vietnam Honor Flight Veterans and to be able to salute them. He was thrilled to see LHCP place a wreath and thankful he was able to be there. He felt strange when people stopped to thank him for his service. Donna as always is overwhelmed by the solemnness of the occasion. Arlington is a beautiful majestic place and the feeling one gets is powerful. Bill Fowler’s wife sent a text message, “Having him participate was an honor for our family and an example to our children of the sacrifices so many brave men and women have given for our country. And, of course, it made us all extremely proud of him.”