When Hammock Inc.'s Bill Hudgins and Rex Hammock traveled to the Marine Military Expo-South for Semper Fi, they stopped to visit with some Marines at the Wounded Warrior Barracks-East, in Camp Lejeune, NC. They also delivered a number of books Hammock donated to the barracks. See photos from their visit with the Marines.
We did the same when Bill was recently in California, and was able to stop by the Wounded Warrior Barracks-West.
After the jump, read some of Rex's thoughts after the visit:
From Rex:
It was both a sobering -- and inspiring -- experience.These men have all been wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan and are transitioning to a life after active duty. The Wounded Warrior Barracks allows them move through a transitional period with other Marines who are sharing their challenging journey. The Marine Corps League is very involved in developing occupational opportunities for these wounded Marines -- opportunities that will help them transition to civilian life. And, of course, by working with the League on their magazine, Semper Fi, we at Hammock feel fortunate to help the League in their support of these efforts.
One young Marine I spoke with was seriously injured by a road side bomb (or, IED -- improvised explosive device) south of Falujah. His multiple broken bones and other injuries are healing after nearly over a year of treatment and therapy, but a head injury he received will mean his future will require a steady stream of occupational and cognitive treatment. He's a Marine -- the ultimate can-do spirit. Yet in his voice, I could sense uncertainty and concern as he talked about his future.
These men are inspiring -- not just to outsiders like me -- but to one-another. And that's the idea behind the Wounded Warriors Regiment concept. It's apparent the Marines inspire one another through their rehabilitation and transition. They are the only ones who truly understand what each other is going through. Despite their challenges, their Marine competitiveness and unique humor is clearly apparent -- they keep each other alert with their shared wit.
They have served their country with valor and have paid a large price in that service. They deserve all we can do to help them find ways to reach their future potential in building post-military lives.
