IMG_1669.JPG=U.S. Navy CPT Mike Cronin then asked the Naval Academy Brass Quintet to play the Service Medleys for all branches of United States Services … Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
IMG_1649.JPG=Pat Tiede, Secretary of the Bethesda Club, and Kiwanis Division 17 Lieutenant Governor Joyce Sharon of the Wheaton-Silver Spring Club joined in.
IMG_1654.JPG=It’s a terrific feeling being with such fine military people from the U. S. Army and U.S. Marines. It shows what Kiwanians can do together when united around very meaningful and thoughtful community service projects. Why, Brian Masser and Linda Macki liked what Kiwanians can do so much … they both joined the Potomac Kiwanis Club at the next meeting!
IMG_1653.JPG=A Warrior guest and his wife were among the celebrated attendees. All attendees consented to allow photos of them enjoying the evening. Warriors, you are MOST welcome and ‘Thanked for Your Service” by a grateful nation.
IMG_1696.JPG=As the ceremony closed, Brigadier General Richard Simcock was presented a Quilt Of Valor by Kathy Thorne of the MSP Quilting Angels on behalf of their organization and Kiwanis for his support of our Wounded Warriors. From left to right, Brigadier General Simcock, Past Capital District Kiwanis Governor Bob Cressy, Navy Captain and Master of Ceremonies, President Elect Mike Cronin, and Kathy Thorne of the MSP Quilting Angels. This was a marvelous, moving evening. See you next year! God Bless America!
IMG_1645.JPG=The pre-dinner entertainment as well as for the opening ceremony of the ‘Presentation of the Colors’ was enthusiastically performed by none other than the United States Naval Academy Brass Quintet. They were in their crisp summer whites and they set the spirited tone for the evening.
IMG_1698.JPG=As a part of the closing ceremony, to the surprise and pleasure of the Warriors, it was announced that each of the Warriors would receive a “Quilt Of Valor” from the MSP Quilting Angels, Germantown, Maryland, and Hemet, California. This group of approximately 40 highly talented Quilters, as evidenced by their beautiful, colorful, patriotic hand made quilts, have awarded over 31,000 Quilts of Valor through its many chapters throughout the United States since September 11tth, 2011. \
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Kathy Thorne (on the left) of the Quilts Of Valor Foundation (QOVF.org) and her husband Jeff Thorne spoke the founding, organization and mission of the Quilting Angels. Their mission is to bring some comfort and a reflection of the appreciation for those who have given so much in service to their country. Kathy also praised Suzanne Wade, who also is a leader of the MSP Quilting Angels, who moved from Maryland to California and sent quilts from there for this program. Suzanne, a long time friend of Bob Cressy, was the first contact for the Kiwanis Club and helped coordinate the gifts of quilts. Thank you both so much for making this evening extra special.\
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Two of the Wounded Warriors are shown receiving their quilts. Helping Kathy is Diane Shoemaker of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, also an organization that helped locate the recipients attending the ceremony. The Yellow Ribbon Fund assists warriors and their families with their needs when their warriors are receiving medical services at the hospital in the Washington area. Thank you for your dedication to our military families. Words are not enough to convey our Kiwanis appreciation for all that you do and for helping the Kiwanis Club of Potomac today.
IMG_1682.JPG=The Honorary Dinner was called to order by Navy Captain (Retired) Michael Cronin, who is also the Potomac Club’s President Elect. Our Pledge of Allegiance was firmly recited and Presentation of the Colors ordered.
IMG_1668.JPG=The Invocation was given then Kiwanis Club of Potomac President Nancy Cressy who welcomed all to the Club’s Third Annual Armed Forces Day Dinner celebration, especially welcoming our honored guests, our Wounded Warriors. Thanks also to visiting Kiwanians, all for making this a very special occasion.
IMG_1672.JPG=Our Key Note Speaker, Brigadier General Richard L. Simcock II, United States Marine Corps, Principal Director (Asia Pacific), Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Asia & Pacific), stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, stood at rigid attention (as a six foot plus Marine General can do) while the Service Medleys were played and members & veterans of each branch stood and sang along for their service.
IMG_1687.JPG=General Simcock also said that he was pleased to attend community activities such as this, but was especially moved and proud to be a part of this special Kiwanis recognition of our country’s Wounded Warriors and the time, effort and sincerity shown by Kiwanis for its patriotism this Armed Forces Weekend. He then also took a few jabs at his fellow services, quickly inviting good natured jabs in return by the veterans present. In the foreground of this photo of BG Simcock are more of the patriotic Quilts Of Valor to be presented to the active duty service members.
IMG_1665.JPG=The Navy Kennedy High School ROTC Presented the Colors with a crisp march into the dinner area to the complete silence of the attendees and with the colors presented, our National Anthem was sung led by the Naval Academy Brass Quintet. It was moving, as it always is.
IMG_1646.JPG=A very colorful arrangement of hand sewn quilts called “Quilts Of Valor” were displayed at the front of the room. Although few knew of the reason at the beginning of the event, a quilt was presented as a special tribute to each of the warriors at the end of the program. It was a nice surprise for them and well appreciated. Presentations and more information will be shown later. (Note IMG 1646 is out of order in the attachments above. It goes between 1645 & 1647).
IMG_1683.JPG=After dinner, we all were honored to hear Key Note Brigadier General Simcock tell us of the extremely high caliber of today’s military forces. He spoke of the courage of the young men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of who are 18, 19 and 20 years old, with a bravery and maturity equal to any time in this nation’s history. Ho spoke of the dangers in this world rife with terrorism threats and attacks. He said all branches of service toward are committed to meeting these threats even while being stretched throughout the globe. He spoke of how moved he is by our service personnel everyday.
IMG_1647.JPG=New Potomac Club Kiwanians Marty Siegel and Doris Mendosa enjoyed the good feelings we all get when honoring our appreciative service personnel, and sharing a meal and conversation with these young men.
IMG_1812.JPG=The Kiwanis Club of Potomac, Maryland, held a tribute to our ‘Wounded Military Warriors’ from Walter Reed Army Hospital and the Navy Medical Center in Bethesda (soon to be merged) Friday, May 20th at the Kenwood Golf & Country Club. This is the Third Annual dinner during the Armed Forces Weekend for service men and women who have made special sacrifices for our United States of America. This offers a small photographic part of that tribute.