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CAP members visit wounded service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Cadets Zaykoski and Brooks visit with a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

By Brenda A. Reed, 1st Lt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Posted January 01, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C.Ten cadets from the Carroll Composite Squadron took time off from their holiday break to visit wounded service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and present donated items to the soldiers.

At the request the WRAMC volunteer coordinator, the squadron collected needed items for the soldiers temporarily assigned to the Walter Reed while receiving medical treatment for wounds acquired while on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cadets were able to meet and talk to some of the wounded soldiers as they passed out the donations. All the soldiers the cadets met, both male and female, were very appreciative that the cadets took the time to meet with them and spend part of their vacation helping out at the hospital. The cadets, in turn, were impressed at the positive attitudes of the soldiers despite suffering horrendous wounds.

In addition to visiting the hospital wards, cadets assisted the Family Services Office, organizing and processing items donated during the holidays. They also provided help to the volunteer coordinator of the Medical Holding Unit and received a briefing from Capt. Braxton, the unit commander. Braxton explained to the cadets that soldiers are assigned to his unit while they receive long-term treatment for their wounds or awaiting medical boards.

The cadet staff along with 1st Lt. Tom Reed, Carrolls deputy commander for cadets, also talked to Linda Young, the volunteer coordinator for the unit, to discuss ways the squadron could help out throughout the coming year. Young explained that the soldiers had few duties to perform during their convalescence and were looking for things to do to occupy their time and take their minds of their injuries. Any help people could provide to organize or support events would be greatly appreciated by the soldiers.

Reed, who has completed tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the past two years, is heading up an initiative to assist the facility to provide needed items and organize events for the service members at WRAMC.

WRAMC is renowned for providing quality medical care to soldiers who have lost appendages during combat operations. They treat severely wounded Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines as well as National Guard members from Maryland units. The wounded normally arrive from the war zone with little or no personal items and are often in need of donations.

CAP members or squadrons interested in getting involved or have ideas for organizing events for the soldiers are encouraged to contact Reed through the Maryland Wing HQ office at 410-553-6394 or breed@mdcap.org.

The Carroll Composite Squadron meets on Tuesday evenings at the National Guard Armory on Hahn Road in Westminster. Prospective cadets, age 12-18, and their parents are always welcome along with adults interested in joining. More information can be found on the squadron website, www.carrollcap.org.