cfc2 mil102513

2 Combined Federal Campaign II l Advertising Supplement October 2013

1038060B

October 2013 Combined Federal Campaign II l Advertising Supplement 3

01040361

www.ArmyFisherHouses.com

01040800

It is frightening enough to face serious disease orinjury when you have a home to call your own...

CHRIST HOUSETHE ONLY RESIDENTIAL MEDICAL FACILITY DEDICATED TO HEALINGTHE LIVES OF SICK, HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN IN D.C. SINCE 1985

Where do you gowhen you are homeless?

UW#8385 • CFC#34256

Thank you for your support!1717 COLUMBIA ROAD, NW • WASHINGTON, DC 200009 • WWW.CHRISTHOUSE.ORG • (201) 328-1100

It was a bold idea forits time.

Melwood started 50 years ago in 1963with an unheard of goal: jobs for people withdisabilities.

Today, Melwood’s workforce includesmore than 650 people with differing abili-ties working at approximately 40 con-tract sites around the Washington, D.C.,region. At Fort George G. Meade, GSAHeadquarters, Goddard Space FlightCenter, The John F. Kennedy Centerfor the Performing Arts or the GeorgeWashington Carver Community Center,for example, you will see Melwood employ-ees transforming their own lives and thelives of the people with whom they interact.

Melwood’s commitment is to deliverour federal government customers withthe best professional services in recycling,landscaping, custodial and total facilitiesmanagement, while providing meaningfulemployment for disabled veterans and allpeople with differing abilities. That workincludes everything from cleaning high-pro-file federal buildings to performing routinemaintenance on high-end HVAC equip-ment. But most importantly, Melwood alsoprovides the life skills improvement, andsupportive and recreational services to allowour disabled veterans and all with differingabilities to achieve fulfillment.

Real People, Real Jobs: Meet JohnHomeless War Veteran Transforms Life

John is a perfect example of how muchone can accomplish through hard workand dedication. He became employed onMelwood’s total facility management con-tract at Fort George G. Meade. Before that,John was unemployed and homeless for sev-eral years. “I’ve had really good times in mylife, I’ve been in the military, owned my own

business and I’ve travelled the world; then,I lost everything,” John said. “Today, I’mreally proud of who I am, and that has a lotto do with my work.”

Melwood interviewed John and otherveterans for his position. John said it wasa miracle that he got the job and he wantsother veterans to know that there is hopeout there as long as you keep doing the right

thing. John was employed with Melwood forless than a year before being promoted to alead position.

Your donation creates opportunitiesfor people like John and helps transformtheir life.

Please donate at CFC#21166. Youcan also donate your vehicle atwww.melwoodcarsforvets.org.

Melwood

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELWOOD

Combined Federal Campaign 2 is pub-lished by Comprint Military Publications,9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD20877, a private firm in no way connectedwith the Department of Defense, underexclusive written contract.

Contents are not the official views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government or theDepartment of Defense.

Everything advertised in this supplementmust be made available for purchase, useor patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, maritalstatus, physical handicap, political affilia-tion, or any other non-merit factor of thepurchaser, user or patron.

9030 COMPRINT COURTGAITHERSBURG, MD 20877DCMILITARY.COM

ADVERTISING SALESNo. VA/DC (703) 658-1788PG/Anne Arundel (240) 473-7538Maryland (301) 921-2800Classified (301) 670-2505New Homes (301) 670-2683


01040605

Hope for theRawa CommunityYunu hung his head in his hands.

When was help going to come? Hisbeloved wife had recently died, leav-ing him utterly grief-stricken. Hestruggled to stay strong for his chil-dren, but life looked bleak.

Matters only got worse whenlightning struck, destroying hissolar-power system and computer.Even if he had money, he could not replacethe equipment that was critical for his roleas the Rawa literacy coordinator in Tauta,a mountain village of Papua New Guineathat lacks electricity, roads and stores.

Word of Yunu’s troubles reached Donand Norma Toland, Wycliffe missionarieswho had lived in Papua NewGuinea for 30years and served in Tauta during that time.

While living among the Rawa people inTauta, Don and Norma developed a writ-ing system that allowedthem to translate theNew Testament intoRawa, and eventuallyalso adapt the translationinto Karo, a language related to Rawa. Theyalso developed a school curriculum, taughtliteracy classes, trained teachers and pro-duced books. During a one-year return visitin 2007, Don and Norma translated a gov-ernment book on HIV and AIDS preven-tion into Rawa, and recorded the translatedScriptures onto solar-powered audio Bibles.

When Don heard about Yunu’s lossesand hardships, he prayed. His friend wasdeeply discouraged. Don knew that theRawa children’s studies would be ham-pered without new reading material. SoDon made the trip, halfway around theworld, in September 2012 to help. WhenYunu saw his friend, he wept for a longtime and thankedGod for his return.

With the help of others, Don installedequipment that included new solar panels,a computer and a printer. Yunu was greatlyencouraged by this kind and unexpectedassistance. The new equipment would helphim continue to make a difference in thelives of many Rawa people.

Having Scripture in the Rawa languagehas brought evident changes in the com-munity. “People are having a spiritual lifechange,” Don said. “They no longer live infear of evil spirits. The church and schoolshave been revitalized. Families often readScripture and pray together. Their Biblesand songbooks are well-worn from use.”

Don is quick to point out that it wasn’this family alone that made the differencethrough the translated Scripture and lit-

eracy materials providedfor the Rawa people.“When God leads oneto serve Him, He mayalso lead many others,

from all over the world, to use their back-grounds and talents. It’s like a concert—asymphony of service! God prepares eachperson, gets them into position, and orches-trates their lives to serve.”

Scripture, literacy materials and schoolswere provided for the Rawa people by ateam that included not only the Tolands,but also national translators and literacyworkers, Wycliffe support staff in bothPapua New Guinea and the United States,andmany prayer and financial supporters.

Millions of people live without beingable to read, write, or access Scripture intheir own language.

Wycliffe Bible Translators brings hopeby creating writing systems, teaching litera-cy and translating the Bible for communi-ties that desperately need “the good news”found inGod’s word.

Wycliffe is grateful for all who take partin supporting translation and literacy proj-ects, including those who give through theCombined Federal Campaign.

WycliffeBible Translators

PHOTO COURTESY OF WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS


01039902

Dedicated WarriorReceives Needed

AssistanceThe Burns family knows what it means

to face challenges. Michael, the patriarchof the family, has gone through multipledeployments resulting in numerous injuries.

The first incident involved his vehi-cle hitting an improvised explosive device(IED). The second occurred when he wasflung out of the gunner’s turret. He sus-tained a third set of injuries during his sec-ond tour, this time due to shrapnel froman IED. After being transferred to a medi-cal center to heal, he returned to Iraq justone month later.

Michael is a dedicated fighter for hiscountry, but after returning home to thenation he gave so much to, he wasn’t able tomaintain a civilian job due to his injuries. Hisfamily was in a tight spot and needed help,so he sought advice from aU.S.Departmentof Veterans Affairs representative.

The representative pointed him to theVFW Unmet Needs program. The pro-gram approved the Burns family for a grant,ensuring funds for their rent and utilities.Michael’s wife, Robyn, was overwhelmedwith relief once the assistance came. She wasso grateful to have an organization under-stand what their family was going through.“It was so great to feel like we were not beingjudged and people understood my hus-band’s injuries,” she said.

Since 2004, VFW’s Unmet Needs pro-gram has provided more than 3,200 emer-gency financial grants for military familiesduring troubling times.

To learn more about the Unmet Needsprogram or other VFW National MilitaryServices programs, visit www.vfw.org/NMS.

VFWUnmet Needs

PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW FOUNDATION


Saving lives through cancerprevention and early detectionLinda was familiar with cancer as a survivor. At 27, she

had melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be fatal, butalso curable, if detected early.

She also experienced cancer as a caregiver. Linda losther husband to pancreatic cancer and then her adult sonwas diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, he underwent asuccessful stem cell transplant in 2004 and is doing welltoday. In both cases, a symptom prompted each to get acheckup. In 2010, lightning struck again. After putting offa routine colonoscopy, Linda scheduled hers to avoid a lec-ture from her doctor. The result: stage 4 colon cancer.

“Listening to the oncologist explain the chemotherapy,radiation and future surgery, it seemed like a bad dream,”Linda said. “How could this be? I felt great.” Stage 4 coloncancer is serious, but she received good treatment and is inremission. The reality is that screening saves lives. Breast,cervical, colon, lung, oral, skin, prostate and testicular can-cer can be detected early by following screening guidelines.Cancer can also be preventable.

Are you aware that approximately 50 percent of allcancers and cancer deaths can be prevented by changingpersonal behaviors, or that one in every two men and onein every three women will be diagnosed with cancer intheir lifetime?

A recent study published in Science TranslationalMedicine reinforced the evidence that tens of thousandsof cancers every year are preventable. The researchersestimate that smoking, obesity, inactivity, poor diets andother factors collectively account for 54.5 percent of allcancer deaths. There is some good news. Both cancer

cases and deaths are declining, the results of decades ofresearch, education, screening and services from institu-tions and organizations across the country, including thePrevent Cancer Foundation.

But greater strides need to be made. The NationalCancer Institute estimates that 571,950 men and womendied from cancer in 2011. We want to bring that numberdown and stop cancer before it starts!

You can help. Make cancer prevention a priority andrenew your CFC support by designating the Prevent CancerFoundation - #11074. Your gift will help fund cutting-edgeresearch, and provide cancer prevention education and com-munity outreach to underserved communities.

For example:• $10 - one prostate cancer screening at a state fair• $25 - one skin cancer screening at a state fair• $250 - two mammograms and five cervical cancer screen-ings at ¡Celebremos la vida!• $500 - two months of medical supplies for breast andcervical cancer screenings at ¡Celebremos la vida! for 80women• $1,000 - Distribution of Breast Health Exam DVD andmanual to 20 community groups• $2,500 – one day of screenings on the GWU/PreventCancer FoundationMammovan• $10,000 - one Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ stop at anunderserved community• $40,000 - one full year grant for prevention or early detec-tion researchPlease visit our website for more information at www.preventcancer.org and find us on social media sites likeFacebook, PinterestandTwitter.

Prevent Cancer Foundation

Association of the UnitedStates Army

Family Programs2012 Family Pavilion

Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries(MCYM) has been serving military teenagers at instal-lations in Europe, the Pacific Rim and in the continentalUnited States for more than 30 years. Club Beyonddeploys committed, healthy-subject-matter experts pro-viding effective youth services to military middle andhigh schoolers.

Club Beyond features a community of leaders with anexclusively military focus. MCYM staff members are com-mitted to healthy relationships with teens and with localadult volunteers who participate in the delivery of fun youthprograms with a nurturing and developmental edge.

MCYM/Club Beyond leverages strategic partnershipswith like-minded organizations for greatest results. We

work with the chapel staff and with youth services staffto offer optimal access to teenagers on and off an instal-lation. Club Beyond has more than 100 staff membersserving on more than 50 military bases around the world.

Staff members tutor students, and they lead regular—usually weekly—fun club gatherings. Summer camps andservice projects create developmental opportunities to foster asense of serving others and to help teens mature. They learnto lead their peers, a skill which is among the most challeng-ing lessons to learn in life. Club Beyond creates resiliency inyoung people through thoughtful mentoring relationships

Club Beyond/Military Community Youth Ministries

continued on 7

Are you aware thatapproximately 50 percent of all

cancers and cancer deaths can beprevented by changing

personal behaviors?

PHOTO COURTESY OF PREVENT CANCER FOUNDATION


1034892

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUB BEYOND/MILITARY COMMUNITY YOUTH MINISTRIES

and via engaging discussions of issues thatare on theminds of our teenagers.

The Club Beyond program, so namedby the teenagers it serves, offers enduringprograms and resources for military teensand their families during these long days ofmultiple deployments. A young person canmove from one installation to another andfind consistency in the anchor that is ClubBeyond at the new base or post.

Our resources include The ResiliencyPlaybook as well as The ReZilient Lifewebsite (rezilientlife.org). Both of these aredesigned specifically for military teens tohelp them deal with issues such as deploy-ment, loneliness, isolation and transition.

continued from 6

The Club Beyond programoffers enduring programsand resources for militaryteens and their familiesduring these long days ofmultiple deployments.


He Got a SecondChance—and Becamea Workplace Hero

Greg had 30 long years to think aboutwhat he would do with a second chance.

As a young man, he dropped out ofhigh school and alternated between workand running the streets. He eventuallywas caught up in a violent confrontationthat landed him in prison for the next 30years. In that time, he decided that whenhe was finally free he never wanted to goback to prison.

Upon his release, he realized he wasfacing steep odds of success. It had been30 years since he had last worked any kindof regular job. The last time he had beena free man, home computers and smart-phones were nonexistent.

Thankfully, he found CatholicCharities of the Archdiocese ofWashington’s Welcome Home Re-EntryProgram, which pairs returning citizenswith volunteer mentors. Here, Greg metHank, a retired attorney. For Hank andGreg, it was the beginning of a lastingfriendship. They talk weekly as Hankhelped Greg deal with the challengesthat returning citizens face. Early on,Hank helped Greg improve his readingability. Greg said Hank is the confidanthe never had before.

Greg now works for a company taskedwith helping tourists and cleaning thestreets near Nationals Park. He’s always

on time, polite and helpful, not to mentionthat he’s gone above and beyond his job tohelp in emergencies.

Once while outside of the Metro, Gregstopped a purse-snatcher and held himdown until the police arrived. Anothertime, he helped pull out a man pinnedunder a truck after a car accident.

For his bravery, Greg was named the2012 Employee of the Year. It was thefirst time he could remember making apositive difference. He credited much ofhis success to Hank, but Hank pointed toGreg’s determination and focus. “It wasn’tme,” Hank said. “It was you. You beat theodds. You made it.”

Greg looked back at Hank. “Mr. Hankhas been...he’s been my friend. And it hastruly made a difference.”

The Welcome Home Re-Entry pro-gram works with men and women whohave served their debt to society to ensurethey can land on their feet to avoid fall-ing back into a life of crime. A case man-ager pairs each participant with a volunteermentor and helps meet some of the needs

of the client, including referrals to foodprograms, housing and job leads. Thementor begins a relationship to help pro-vide support, encouragement and advice.

This is an example of just one of morethan 60 programs Catholic Charities of theArchdiocese of Washington runs—all local-ly in Washington, D.C. and the surround-ing Maryland counties. We serve everyoneand we need your help tomake it happen.

Please support us through theCombined Federal Campaign—#83997.1038091

Catholic Charities of theArchdiocese of Washington

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Once while outside of theMetro, Greg stopped apurse-snatcher and heldhim down until the policearrived. Another time,

he helped pull out a man

pinned under a truck

after a car accident.


Supporting Familiesof Soldiers Wounded,Injured or Killed in

CombatWhen a veteran is wounded, the family

suffers greatly—emotionally, psychological-ly and financially. The overwhelming stressof the recovery process can threaten to teara family apart.

Wounded Warriors Family Support’smission is to provide support to the familiesof those who have been wounded, injuredor killed during combat operations. Ourorganization supports wounded veteransand their families, even after physical needsare met, to help them heal, recover andreconnect. We work to provide servicesand resources to combat-wounded vet-erans and their families that supplementthose provided by the U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs and other agencies. Wealso work with military and nonprofit part-ners to identify and fill gaps in services forwounded veterans and their families.

Caregiver Respite ProgramWounded Warriors Family Support’s

Caregiver Respite program provides respiteand supplemental services nationwide tothe caregivers and families of woundedwar veterans. Often caregivers are spousesor family members who have many otherresponsibilities, such as work, managingbills and taking care of children. Our pro-gram aims to ensure that family memberswho were thrust into the role of caregiversare provided with the support they needto keep their families intact while keep-ing themselves healthy. Our respite ser-vices include providing secondary caregiverassistance, respite aid for remote areas andshort-term temporary relief in the form ofchild care and other services.

“WoundedWarriors Family Support haschanged my life. After three years of caringfor my husband—who requires more than40 hours of care weekly—with no break, Iwas beginning to suffer from caregiver burn-out.What they do is really lifesaving. It is sav-ing marriages, which is potentially saving thelives of our heroes by offering us women—who love, respect and honor our husbandsenough to stand by their sides through everytrial—room to breathe. I can’t thank themenough.”—Beaulieu family member

Family ProgramsThrough our family programs,

Wounded Warriors Family Support alsoprovides free retreats to wounded veteransand their families.

These family retreats are a chance forwounded veterans to heal and reconnectwith their loved ones in a peaceful, stress-free environment.

Wounded veterans are given the oppor-tunity to decompress and share positiveexperiences with their spouses and children,strengthening the bonds of their familiesandmaking lastingmemories.

“I’ll never forget staying up into theearly morning hours with my son after therest of my family retired for the evening.In this magical setting, my son and I reallycommunicated for the first time in years.

“Thankfully, a big step in the rightdirection was initiated at Skyland Resort.This also was a huge step for me and apoint I choose to remember for my ownhealing as I seek to move on from issuesfrommy deployment.”

—Shive family member

For more information about WoundedWarriors Family Support, visit www.wwfs.org. CFC# 81534

1038365

Wounded Warriors Family Support

PHOTO COURTESY OF WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT


01040751

Changing Lives toChange the World

The future is being forged at Tel AvivUniversity (TAU)—today.

TAU is Israel’s leading center ofhigher learning, independently rankedamong the top 90 universities in theworld. As Israel’s largest, most compre-hensive and most sought-after university,TAU provides a world-class educationfor more than 30,000 students a year.

In science, business, medicine, gov-ernment, the arts and the art of scholar-ship, TAU is internationally recognizedfor excellence in research and scholarship.

TAU is at the forefront of today’smost exciting new fields of multidisci-plinary research, from bioinformatics tonanotechnology to the neurosciences—ranking 22nd among the world’s univer-sities for the number of patents it holds.

TAU has the only space observatoryin the Middle East, and an on-campusresearch zoo is one of only two in theworld.

TAU attracts the best and the bright-est—150 of the world’s leading academicand corporate institutions conduct joint

programs on campus. The university is oneof Israel’s most important research cen-ters, engaged in more than 5,000 innova-

tive projects in both classic disciplines andcutting-edge fields of study. Many of theworld’s most respected business, govern-ment, military and academic leaders cometo Tel Aviv University to develop new waysto approach their work. In the world ofstatecraft, scores of TAU faculty membershave been called on to serve as governmentministers, Knesset members and interna-tional ambassadors.

At TAU, students and faculty do morethan think about Israel’s future. With thehelp of committed friends worldwide, theyhelp to mold and expand possibilities forthe benefit of mankind. TAU helps shapeIsrael’s social future, too, opening the doorsof knowledge and opportunity to all.

American Friends of Tel AvivUniversity is pleased to support Tel AvivUniversity’s vital role in expanding thefuture of Israel—and the world.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY


1034890

Everyone needs permanent housing. Families with children need astable, warm and caring environment. During these tough timeswe cannot overlook the thousands of homeless men, women andchildren who are counting on you. Many of them are veterans.They need your help. We need your support.

Rebuilding Lives – Strengthening Communities

HOMELESSNESSIS A PROBLEM

But it was never meant to be permanentWith your help, we can turn it around

For more than 30 years, the Coalition for the Homeless hasbeen committed to reducing homelessness in the District ofColumbia. The causes of homelessness are many andcomplex – but the solution to homelessness points to onegoal: HOUSING.

Coalition for the Homeless1234 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite C-1015

Washington, D.C. 20005

For more information about giving opportunitiesplease call Sheila Baker at

202-347-8870. Please visit www.dccfh.org01040066

Chaplains give spiritual care toour Troops wherever they serve.Help us speak for chaplaincy,care for chaplains, and extendtheir ministries beyond thebattlefield.

The Voice of ChaplaincyServing Since 1925

CFC#11957 www.mca-usa.org

1040423

Donations will go to support these programsSAFE COPEntered into the Congressional Record” in 1995, the NPDF trademark program“Safe Cop” posts up to $10,000 reward for public information that results in thearrest and conviction of anyone who shoots a member law enforcement officer,anywhere in the United States.

Operation KidsThe Operation Kids program is a multi-faceted child safety program thatdistributes free child fingerprint/DNA kits to parents, sponsors youth athleticevents, posts periodic rewards for missing children and arranges life-savingoperations for critically ill children. This program has been personally endorsedby John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted.

NATIONAL POLICE DEFENSE FOUNDATION

Contact Information21 Kilmer Drive, Building 2 Suite F, Morganville, NJ 07751 • 732-617-2330 • 732-862-1444 Fax

www.npdf.org • [email protected] • Executive Director: Joseph Occhipinti

CFC#52710

Making Life Betterfor Those withSerious Illness

Maria was only 27 years old when shelearned she had ovarian cancer. The youngwife and mother of two children—a 3-year-old and a 10-month-old—was in shock.But her faith and a supportive communityhelped her through early treatments, sur-gery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Tragically, Maria’s cancer entered herlymphatic system and began to form tumorsin other parts of her body. As her pain andsymptoms worsened, it became impossiblefor Maria to care for her home and children.Her husband, weighed down by grief andanger at her illness and by his job and otherresponsibilities, was overwhelmed.

The family didn’t have insuranceto cover at-home care for Maria. Plus, itwould have been difficult for her to get therest and care she needed at home with twosmall children. Thanks to Capital Caring,Maria was able to receive expert, compas-

sionate care during her final days at ourinpatient center in Arlington, Va. Her fam-ily spent time with her there, while Mariawas provided with ‘round-the-clock nursingcare, relieving the pressure on her husbandand family. And during her final days, shewas able to focus what energy she had onher beloved family.

Capital Caring is able to provide sucha high level of care to patients like Mariabecause of our nationally recognized phy-sicians in the hospice and palliative carefield. Every day, our physicians join withan interdisciplinary team of professionals,including nurses, social workers, chaplains,grief counselors, nursing assistants, trainedvolunteers and more to develop individualcare plans that address the medical, emo-tional and spiritual needs of anyone livingwith serious advanced illness.

Our nationally recognized FellowshipProgram provides one year of training that

leads to board eligibility in hospice and pal-liative medicine for physicians who wishto gain a comprehensive understanding ofthis growing field. Sponsored by MedStarWashington Hospital Center, the Districtof Columbia’s largest academic institutionwith more than 900 beds, the FellowshipProgram recently celebrated its eighth year.

Capital Caring also has a MilitaryHospital Physician Training program thattrains approximately 25 physician residentseach year to care for returning WoundedWarrior service members, veterans andtheir families. Through a grant from theLockheed Martin Corporation, CapitalCaring has trained residents at the WalterReed National Military Medical Centerand Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, and

continues to reach out to other military hos-pitals to enlist their residents in our urgentlyneeded hospice and palliative care training.

These training programs are essentialelements in maintaining Capital Caring’sstrong reputation as a leading provider ofhospice and palliative care in the region.Capital relies on donors like you to supportour ongoing efforts to educate a new andgrowing crop of physicians committed tohelping our patients and their families—10percent of whom are active, veteran orretired military—make the most of everysingle day.

Thank you for designating CapitalCaring—CFC # 39664—as your char-ity of choice through this year’s CombinedFederal Campaign.

Capital Caring

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPITAL CARING


Providing Healing andHope for Washington’sHomeless Since 1985Christ House opened its doors on

Christmas Eve 1985 as the first residen-tial medical facility for homeless men andwomen in the United States. Hospitals treathomeless patients for emergencies, but theyare discharged early and must return to thestreet where they cannot rest and recuper-ate. Many people with non-emergency,chronic conditions—wounds, diabetes,HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental illness, heartdisease, liver failure, or hypertension—havedifficulty accessing care. At Christ House,homeless men and women may stay aslong as their illness requires. Here, they getplenty of rest, nutritious meals, medicalcare and other essential support services.

Christ House often provides a crucialintervention and saves vulnerable patientsfrom falling through the cracks. One suchpatient that we helped was Steven. Stevenwas referred to Christ House from a localhospital for an enlarged prostate, which hadcaused urinary and kidney complications.

During the intake process, we learned thathe had a college degree and had served inthe Navy for 11 years. He had worked forthe U.S. Department of Defense and hadeven begun a graduate program. Stevendenied substance abuse problems and hadpreviously passed a mental health screen-ing. He survived on limited veterans ben-efits, and after four years of living in a seriesof hotel rooms, he began staying in home-less shelters until his health declined.

In the beginning, we were puzzledabout his homelessness, especially becauseof his education and employment history.

Steven’s case manager described him as“courteous and the model military man,”but noticed that he did not engage withothers. After speaking with him more, wediscovered that Steven had not had contactwith family or friends for many decades. Healso had not sought medical care in severalyears and was not receiving all the veteransbenefits to which he was entitled.

This lack of self-awareness and dis-engagement led Steven’s case managerto believe that he had an unaddressedmental health issue. After seeing a psychi-atrist, he was diagnosed with schizophre-nia. Unlike many schizophrenics, he hadnot experienced hearing voices or havingdelusional thoughts, but instead he iso-lated himself and withdrew from personalcontact with others.

Our medical staff managed his schizo-phrenia with anti-psychotic medication andhe began to slowly improve. Christ House

obtained his military service records show-ing an honorable discharge, which aided inconnecting him with medical services andthe full range of veterans benefits. This willallow him to manage his mental illness andtreat his enlarged prostate in the future.

After two months, Steven was medi-cally ready to be discharged from ChristHouse to a transitional housing programfor mentally ill veterans. He is now par-ticipating in a veteran-sponsored employ-ment training program so that he canrejoin the workforce.

It is this patient’s remarkable storyof transformation and others like it thatencourage us to continue our work pro-viding lifesaving medical care to homelesspersons.

With your generous support, ChristHouse provides a safe place for peoplelike Steven to find respite, recovery andrenewal. CFC: #342561036230

Christ House

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIST HOUSE


For eleven years, CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocates) for theChildren DC has continued to tackle thegrowing demand for individualized ser-vices for youth in the foster care system.Our comprehensive partnership with theSuperior Court of the District of Columbia,Child and Family Services Agency andother commu-nity-based part-ners providesthese effectiveservices throughthe use of com-munity volun-teers. CASAs areappointed by aDistrict of Columbia Family Court judgeto represent the best interests of a youth infoster care. CASA DC also pairs positiveadult mentors with youth in foster care toteach their mentees the skills they need tonavigate life successfully.CASA DC has broken new ground in

meeting the needs of youth by develop-ing the CASA After Care initiative. Thisunique program provides services to youngpeople who have been linked with a CASAand who have aged out of the foster caresystem. Capitalizing on the relationshipdeveloped between the CASA and theyouth while in care, the After Care programis able to continue to engage youth in needof assistance with housing, employment,child care and other social services.CASA volunteers are trained to advo-

cate in the District of Columbia FamilyCourt system for the best interests of chil-dren in cases of abuse and neglect. CASAsrepresent one family at a time. Thesefamilies have approximately one to threechildren ranging in age from birth to 21.Volunteers gather information about eachchild’s situation, submit reports to the courtand provide the court with valuable insightinto the child’s life. CASAs help provideeach child with the services she or he needs,while working to ensure that the child findsa safe, permanent home.CASA volunteers fill a need for the

courts, youth and child welfare system.Youth who are paired with a CASA vol-unteer are less likely to reenter the childwelfare system and youth will spend lesstime in long-term care and CASAs. Thesetwo facts lead to a reduction of the cost ofthe child welfare system across the nation

by tens of millions of dollars. Additionally,the youth are thankful for the hard work ofthe CASA volunteers:“I am very thankful for the support from

my wonderful CASA who keeps me ontrack and provides meaningful guidance. Asa senior studying criminal justice, I look for-ward to becoming a police officer, leadingto a criminal detective career. I know I’mnot ‘done’ yet becoming the person I wantto be, but I know I wouldn’t be here with-out the support of myCASA volunteer.”CASA DC’s mentoring program has

paired youth in the welfare system with asupportive adult. This program providesmentors and mentees the opportunity tofoster positive relationships and experienc-es through cultural empowerment, groupactivities and one-on-one outings. Mentorsalso help their mentee to develop life skillsto prepare for adulthood.CASA DC has recruited hundreds of

volunteers, but so many more childrenstill need someone to speak up for them.Young men in foster care in particularneed a male volunteer to advocate and/ormentor them. Together we must ensurethat young people in foster care find safe,permanent homes. 1036246

CASA (D.C.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA (D.C.)


The Wounded Warriors in ActionFoundation Inc. (WWIA) serves ournation’s combat-wounded Purple Heartrecipients by providing world-class out-door sporting activities as a means to rec-ognize and honor their sacrifice, encourageindependence and connections with com-munities, and promote healing and well-ness through camaraderie and a sharedpassion for the outdoors. Every day thefoundation works to fulfill this mission bytaking wounded warriors out on outdoor-related events all across this country andin British Columbia. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, everything the founda-tion does is funded by the generosity ofthe American people who are helping tosupport our nation’s heroes.

Along with amazing event hosts in morethan 35 states that share their land andhospitality with these heroes, WWIA alsohas two locations in Wisconsin (CampHackett) and in Washington (CampStillwater), where they have bunkhousesused to support events and heroes on aregular basis.Once the entire camp is complete,

both locations will feature Americans WithDisabilities Act-compliant healing centersthat will be staffed by wounded warriorsand provide a place for other wounded war-riors for many years to come.At a recent salmon fishing trip at Camp

Stillwater, one hero said, “The amount of

01040604

The Wounded Warriorsin Action Foundation Inc.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WOUNDED WARRIORS IN ACTION FOUNDATION INC.

continued on 15


ServingNeighbors,

Changing LivesCentral Union Mission is

the oldest social service agencyin the District of Columbia. Itwas founded in 1884 by the Rev.Latham Douglass, a young man filled with compassionfor the thousands of homeless and neglected men whowandered Pennsylvania Avenue, many of whom wereCivil War veterans.Since 1884, the mission has continuously operated

an emergency shelter for homeless men and has beena place to be spiritually uplifted and to find recovery.Today, Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with five locations throughoutthe Washington metropolitan area.Its current programs serve homeless men, underprivi-

leged women, children, seniors, veterans and the grow-ing Hispanic community. The programs include:Overnight Guest Services – men’s emergency shelterand related services

Spiritual Transformation Program – our 18-monthresidential recovery, rehabilitation and family reconcili-ation ministry. This also provides professional and edu-cational services, social service support and employmentpreparationCommunity Services – The Food PLUS Centerprovides free food, clothing and furniture for underprivi-leged families, homeless men, seniors and veterans.

Family Ministries – serves the growing Hispanic com-munityCamp Bennett – Located in Montgomery County,Md., this is a 220-acre retreat center and camp provid-ing rural experiences for children, residential training formen and rental facilities to the community.The mission is continually developing its programs

to meet the changing needs of the community. One lifeat a time, the mission works to help transform the area’stoughest rehabilitation cases—including drug addicts,gang members, criminal offenders and the chronicallyhomeless—into productive members of society. Themission’s programs have an extremely high success ratehelping individuals overcome addiction and homeless-ness and achieve independent living.Today, more than ever, the economy is very hard and

seems hopeless for the multitudes of people living in des-perate need who can’t make ends meet.

“I want you to share your bread with the hungry, openyour homes to the homeless poor, remove the yoke ofinjustice, and let the oppressed go free.” - Isaiah 58:6-10

Designate CFC #85786/United Way #9617.

1040426B

Central Union Mission

PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTRAL UNION MISSION

healing that is done while you spend timefishing and being with other guys who havegone through the same stuff you have cannotbe measured. I can’t wait to be able to helpother vets now thatWWIAhas helpedme.”Another hero who participated in a trip

to New York said that being able to attendthat excursion rejuvenated him so much thathe is heading back with enough energy to goback to the doctor’s appointment and thera-py sessions that he had just about decided togive up. It is stories like these that show oth-ers just how important this organization canbe to our country’s PurpleHeart recipients.WWIA is doing great work with these

heroes and appreciates any help federalemployees can give through the CombinedFederal Campaign. Those interested insupporting wounded warriors can selectCFC #94512 and know that, as WWIA isa member of America’s Best Charities, theirdonation is going to an organization thatwill provide the best possible experience tothe heroes who sacrificed so much for ourcountry.

continued from 14

For the latest from

local military bases

throughout the

Washington, D.C.

region, visit

DCMilitary.com.

To advertise,call (301) 670-2682.


A Mother’sUnconditional LoveSteven Eakins, a fourth generation

member of the Air Force, left work on Oct.20, 2009 at Lackland Air Force Base towish his colleagues best of luck on theirdeployment. On his return trip to work, hecrashed into a backhoe on the highway at65mph, crushing his skull.Steven wasn’t expected to make it

through his first surgery. He had a severetraumatic brain injury (TBI) and as a resultof the accident, his skull penetrated part ofhis brain.His parents, Kelly and Mark Eakins,

rushed to be by their son’s side.Each day, doctors told Steven’s family

that they would be lucky if they got another24 hours.“I told Steven’s doctors that luck has

nothing to do with it. Steven is a fighter,”Kelly said.Steven was medically induced into a

coma so his body could rest. He was then

sent to the James A. Haley Veterans’Hospital in Tampa, Fla., in July 2010.When Steven woke up from his coma,

he was unable to care for himself. He wasunable to walk or communicate.Kelly and Mark made the decision

that Kelly would quit her job and travel toTampa to support their son.“We didn’t know Tampa and were try-

ing to figure out where to live,” Kelly said.“Mark and I decided to wait until we gotto Tampa to figure it out. We found out wewere able to get a room in the Fisher Houseright away. It was so helpful; I don’t knowhow we would have done it. Seriously. I

do not know how we would have managedtwo households on one income.”“The most important thing was to be

close to the hospital so I could be withSteven doing rehab and taking him to hisappointments,” Kelly said. “I don’t knowhow much he understands, but I know heknows when I’m there. It has to make adifference.”Kelly remained at the Fisher House

with Steven for almost three years.“A nice thing about Fisher House was

getting to know the families. The major-ity of the families had patients on the samefloor as Steven. I got to know them in boththe home and hospital environment.”Kelly has become Steven’s caregiver;

she is trained to do just about anythingSteven needs.In a minimally conscious state, Steven

is still aware of his surroundings. WhenSteven’s children came to visit—a daughterSienna and son Asher—it was Sienna whowas able to get themost out of her dad.“Sienna is Steven’s little princess,”

Kelly said. “It was when Sienna walkedinto Steven’s room in the hospital and said,‘Hi, Daddy’ that Steven turned his head.”Although he is separated from his wife,Steven’s children still visit regularly.Just shy of her third anniversary at the

Fisher House, Steven and Kelly were able

to go home, back to San Antonio.Steven is still suffering from TBI and

requires constant care, but through it all,Kelly has been by her son’s side.“That’s my job as his mom,” Kelly said.

“He will always bemy little boy.”Fisher House Foundation is one of

the highest-rated military and veteranscharities in the country. It has receivedan A+ from the American Institute ofPhilanthropy in its Veterans and Militarycategory. Out of 46 charities rated, FisherHouse Foundation is one of two charitiesto receive their A+ rating. Fisher HouseFoundation has also received CharityNavigator’s coveted four-star rating forsound fiscal management for the ninth con-secutive year, a rating achieved by only 1percent of the charities they monitor. FisherHouse has a very low—3.5 percent—administrative cost.Fisher House Foundation is privileged

to help support our heroes and their fami-lies by providing lodging and transporta-tion. After all, a family’s love is the bestmedicine. Donating through the CombinedFederal Campaign to Fisher HouseFoundation (agency code 11453) helpsprovide direct support to “our greatestnational treasure…our military service menand women and their loved ones.”01040338

Fisher House

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY ESTILL


01040807

Pastoral MinistryBeyond the Battlefield

By Robert Certain,Executive Director

One of the main goals of the MilitaryChaplains Association (MCA) is to extendpastoral ministry beyond the battlefield.We, as current and former military andVA chaplains, along with our partners inthe CAP, have a tremendous amount oftraining, experience and empathy to bringto the table in the care of our warriors.

When we as a nation, under theauthority of the president, send youngmen and women into battle, we alsoincur the responsibility, the moral imper-ative, to bring them all the way home.Getting their whole or broken bodies

back in the United States is not enough—we must bring their minds, their soulsand their value back to full incorporationin normative American society.

One way we leverage our experienceand training is to train local congrega-tions where we now live, work and wor-ship to welcome veterans and their fami-lies into full membership, to recognize thevirtues and stresses of military life, and tooffer our counsel in addressing the uniqueissues that continue to play on their heartsand minds. Moral and spiritual injury isalmost unavoidable for warriors who were

trained to be kind as children and havenow been trained to kill and destroy asyoung adults.

We believe that clergy, of all the peoplein the nation, are in the best position torecognize this injury, to assist the combat-ant in seeking resolution of the turmoilwhich resides within, and, yes, to provideforgiveness and freedom to move forward

in this life. We cannot erase memories andactions, but we can help our veterans tofind God’s presence and meaning with-in the horrific actions of war, and to digthrough the silt and debris to find the gold.In the words of a grateful soldier, here isjust one example of the ministry we haveextended beyond the battlefield:

“Chaplain, thank you for helpingmy wife and me after I came back fromAfghanistan. The army has great chaplains.But I needed to talk offline and figure outwhere we are. God bless all of you.”

- SFC, Army National Guard

The MCA: An advocate and support-er of professional chaplaincy to promotejustice, peace, and good will and providechaplaincy services where uniformed chap-lain resources are not able to respond.

The Military Chaplains Association ofthe United States of America

“Chaplain, thank you forhelping my wife and me

after I came backfrom Afghanistan.The army has

great chaplains ...God bless all of you.”


1034854

01040350

01040062

At just 28 years old, Nicole Isaac represents the chang-ing face of veterans in the U.S. An Iraq war veteran, theformer Army Specialist came to Volunteers of AmericaChesapeake a little over one year ago.

“I was deployed in Iraq for just under one year,” saidNicole. The mother of two said it was her family that firstnoticed the change in her personality.

“The turning point for me was a fight I had with mysister. I was so angry all the time. I lost my job because theyfelt I couldn’t take orders and soon after that my son and Ibecame homeless. I had been spiraling downhill for a whilebefore then, but that wasmy rock bottom.”

Nicole sought help at the Veterans Administration(VA) where she was diagnosed with post traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD). “I didn’t know the symptoms of PTSD;neither did my family. Nobody could have helped me untilthe VA put me in contact with Volunteers of AmericaChesapeake,” said Nicole.

By 2016, an estimated two million Americans will haveleft the military and returned to civilian life. The statisticson the return to civilian life and civilian workforce havebeen bleak. According to a report released by the U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in July

2012, the unemployment rate for Iraq- and Afghanistan-eraveterans was 9.5 percent, higher than the national aver-age. A 2010 survey for the Veterans Administration foundthat only 40.5 percent of veterans felt they were preparedto enter the civilian job market. Additionally, veterans aredisproportionately represented among our country’s home-less population. Reports of veteran depression, suicide, sub-stance abuse and domestic violence continue to increase,and there is a growing prevalence of veterans entering ourjails stemming from service-related mental health and cog-nitive injuries.

Volunteers of America offers the Supportive Servicesfor Veterans Families program (SSVF). The primary goalsof SSVF, which is community-based, are to assist familiestransitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and

to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless. Toimprove housing stability, the SSVF provides eligible vet-eran families with outreach, case management, assistanceobtaining VA and other benefits and supportive servicesto address drug or alcohol abuse, mental health concerns,employment and educational needs, lack of civilian workexperience, disabilities and/or a chronic inability to obtainand sustain permanent housing.

Recently, Fannie Mae awarded Volunteers of AmericaChesapeake a $100,000 grant to support veterans’ pro-gramming, and a new partnership with the Points of Lightfoundation will fund four Veteran AmeriCorps membersto facilitate outreach in the Greater Washington region.With these partnerships, Volunteers of America created theCapital Area Veterans Leadership Program (CAVLP) toprovide veterans in need of employment, housing, educa-tional services, social services, mental health services and/or substance abuse treatment with comprehensive assess-ments, individualized service plans and to match them withresources fromwithin Volunteers of America Chesapeake.

To learn more about Volunteers of AmericaChesapeake’s Veterans Services and to support our veter-ans at home, visit www.voachesapeake.org.

Volunteers of AmericaChesapeake’s Veterans Services

In July 2012, the unemployment ratefor Iraq- and Afghanistan-era

veterans was 9.5 percent, higherthan the national average.


Providing Answersand Increasing

Public Awareness ofMisunderstood Disease

Achy joints, fatigue, fever and rash areall symptoms almost everyone has experi-enced. Usually these symptoms are noth-ing serious and can be attributed to com-mon conditions, such as the flu or just along day at the office, but for an estimated1.5 million Americans, these symptomsindicate something much more serious.

Lupus is an unpredictable and misun-derstood autoimmune disease that rav-ages different parts of the body. It is dif-ficult to diagnose, hard to live with, anda challenge to treat. Lupus has a range ofsymptoms, strikes without warning andhas no known cause and no known cure.Common symptoms include joint pain,skin rashes, overwhelming fatigue andfevers that last for days or weeks.

The Lupus Foundation of America isworking to increase public understandingand awareness of this under-recognizeddisease that affects primarily young women.Because lupus symptoms mimic other con-ditions and appear differently in differentpeople, lupus is very difficult to diagnoseand there is no single diagnostic test. Morethan half of people with lupus visit three ormore doctors to find a cure for their symp-toms, and experience symptoms four ormore years before finally being diagnosed.

That was the case for Karon Beasley,who saw six types of doctors during a four-year time period before visiting an allergistwho suspected she had an autoimmunedisease.

“I was coming home from working outone day when the feeling of fatigue hit me.It was overwhelming—I’d get tired justwalking to my mailbox,” said Beasley, whosuffered through a variety of misdiagnosesincluding, anemia, thyroid disorders andPMS before it was determined that shehad lupus.

“I couldn’t get answers and went incircles. A dermatologist told me, ‘honey,that’s just hormones,’ and prescribed mea cream. I went to a neuropsychologist totreat my depression, because you start to

think something is mentally wrong withyou,” she said.

Beasley, who has now lived with thedisease for more than 12 years, encouragespeople with lupus to be their own advo-cate. Friends, family and doctors shouldalso be considerate of what it is like to livewith lupus.

“Most people with lupus at some pointhear: ‘but you don’t look sick,’” Beasleysaid.

“We face the issue of dealing with aninvisible illness. You have to know youdon’t feel well and recognize that you needto talk to another doctor and keep going,”she said. “Doctors’ appointments can beconsuming unless you are prepared and cancommunicate what is going on with yourbody. They only know what you tell them,so when you know something is wrong,write down every symptom you have, evenif you think it is not related.”

Beasley also advises patients to get edu-cated about the disease through trustedorganizations like the Lupus Foundation ofAmerica.

To increase early diagnosis, raise publicawareness and more on lupus, visit lupus.org. CFC#10566

01040603

Lupus Foundation of America

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Karon Beasley saw six types of doctors before she found the one who suspected she had anautoimmune disease.

More than half of

people with lupus visit

three or moredoctors to find a curefor their symptoms, and

experience symptoms four

or more years before finally

being diagnosed.


Rebuilding Lives,StrengtheningCommunities

Our MissionThe mission of the Coalition for the

Homeless is to provide supportive socialservices and housing to individuals and fami-lies who are homeless or at risk of becominghomeless. The coalition’s goal is to help thehomeless to regain their dignity, to becomeas economically self-sufficient as possible andto return to independent living.

Family Homelessness PreventionThe prevention of homelessness is an

important strategy in our national and localefforts to reduce the incidence of homeless-ness in our community. It is far better tohelp keep families with children in theircurrent housing than to allow them to enterthe homeless system. Families that maybenefit from prevention assistance are thosewho encounter short-term financial prob-lems, such as unemployment or medical/

family emergencies; are about to be evictedfrom their current housing for nonpay-ment of rent, foreclosure of the propertyor utilities arrearages; or families at risk ofbecoming homeless living in unstable hous-ing. Since 2000, the coalition has providedhousing assistance to more than 740 home-less families with children.

How You Can HelpThe Coalition for the Homeless

needs donations to continue to fund theEmergency Housing Placement AssistanceProgram, which is administered from theVirginia Williams Family Resource Center(FRC). Money donated to the housingassistance program helps to prevent fam-ily homelessness or to shorten the length ofstay for families placed in a shelter by theFRC. For these families, the coalition maypay rent or utility bill arrearages or providethe first month’s rent/security deposit tohelp themmove into permanent housing.

Helping a Homeless FamilyA husband and wife went to the Family

Resource Center to apply for emergencyshelter for themselves and their two sons.They recently had to vacate their homeimmediately when it was destroyed by a

storm. The family tried to get help, butended up staying in a motel. Although onemember was employed, money was dwin-dling and soon the family could no longerafford the motel costs. The couple triedagain to get help with housing and eventu-ally were referred to the FRC.

The caseworker at FRC called theAmerican Red Cross and they were ableto assist the family with the cost of stayingin a motel until they could find permanent,affordable housing. The husband soonbecame ill and was hospitalized. The case-worker provided emotional support andassistance with helping the family navigateapartment leasing and inspection issues.

The family later moved into their newhome while the husband was still hospital-ized in intensive care. Through the wife’stears, she expressed her gratitude to theFRC staff for helping her through a verydifficult time.

InformationYou can receive copies of our annu-

al report and audit reports by writing tous at 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW,Washington, D.C., by calling 202-347-8870 or by faxing 202-347-7279. Pleasevisit www.dccfh.org.01040360

Coalition for the Homeless (D.C.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS (D.C.)


The National Police Defense Foundation(NPDF) is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax-deductible dona-tions are needed to fund important policesupport services and programs, such as SafeCop, Operation Kids, the September 11thPoliceMemorial and Project Pedophile.The NPDF provides free medical sup-

port services to all law enforcement person-nel who experience a job-related illness anddisability. A toll-free number (888-SAFE-COP) is available for any officer to speakto an approved NPDF medical officer orattorney for advice or referral to a specialistor program.This NPDF program’s success is

credited to the fact that our medical andlegal staff assures complete confidential-ity and provides viable options and coun-seling to the disabled officer. In the past,many police officers have been hesitant toapproach their respective departments torequest medical/psychological help for fear

of it negatively impacting their careers. Theconfidentiality of NPDF’s Medical SupportServices guards against that.The NPDF has also earned a sterling

reputation within the law enforcementcommunity for successfully exposingmany injustices against law enforcement;and, many have been profiled on nationalnews shows and networks, such as “60Minutes,” “Dateline,” Fox News NetworkandCNN.

Today, organized crime and com-mon street criminals have learned how tomanipulate the criminal justice system bymaking fabricated allegations of miscon-duct against dedicated law enforcementofficers. As a result, the NPDF’s legal andinvestigative staff members have establishedcriteria to effectively investigate these allega-

tions. When it appears that a grave injusticehas been perpetrated against an officer, theNPDF will establish a legal defense fundwith 100 percent of the donations raisedearmarked for the officer’s defense.There is free legal consultation to any

NPDF member or officer experiencing ajob-related problem.

The National Police Defense Foundation

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL POLICE DEFENSE FOUNDATION


1036226

01040836

Change the life of a foster childChange the life of a foster child

AdvocateAdvocate

MentorMentor

DonateDonate

Your donation can help improvethe life of a child in foster carethrough the work of our courtappointed volunteer advocates.

www.casadc.org

United Way: 8593 CFC: 30921

Only 5 years old, Jorge leads his threebrothers toward the gates of MarineCorps Base Camp Pendleton. Together,they will spend a day as Marines.

Jorge was diagnosed with retinoblas-toma—a rare cancer of the eye. Make-A-Wish offered Jorge the chance to wish foranything, and he wished to be a Marinefor a day. The military is just “in hisblood,” said his mother Carmen. Today’sexperience will help him find strength toovercome the hardships of his medicalcondition.

An Oath to DefendJorge’s wish begins with a rite of pas-

sage as old as the Marine Corps itself.Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese,commanding general of Marine CorpsInstallations West-Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, swears him in. By recit-ing the Oath of Enlistment, he becomespart of the Marine Corps family—past,present and future.

The general and his staff have a sur-prise for Jorge: He’s not just a Marinetoday, he’s a general. He’s hesitantwith his new authority at first, but Gen.Coglianese soon has him issuing orders,taking charge and inspiring his subordi-nates. Then, Gen. Coglianese is ready todismiss Jorge to meet other Marines—“Ihave just one order for you, Jorge: Have agood time!”

Living the Marine LifeIt’s time for Jorge to find out how

Marines develop the skills to defend theircountry. He rides in assault vehicles. Hetakes a Marine Corps boxing lesson andflies a helicopter simulator.

Everywhere he goes, Marine Corpspersonnel take extra steps to makeJorge’s day unforgettable. He receiveschallenge coins, stickers, patches andother memorabilia.

Inspiring His HeroesJorge’s presence adds something spe-

cial to the everyday duties of the Marinesat Camp Pendleton. “He’s just a bravelittle guy, full of life and energy,” said Sgt.

Daniel Mullis, a formal marksmanshiptraining course instructor.

Jorge’s visit is a reminder to theMarines at Camp Pendleton that theydo more than defend a nation; they are aforce of hope and a source of transforma-tive power that helps kids like Jorge findthe will to overcome the challenges intheir lives.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes ofchildren with life-threatening medicalconditions to enrich the human expe-rience with hope, strength and joy.Wishes help kids feel better—and some-times when they feel better, they get bet-ter. Kids say wishes give them renewedstrength to fight their illness. With eachnew adventure on his wish, Jorge standstaller and smiles wider.

Each year, around 27,000 kids arediagnosed with a qualifying condition.Last year, we granted nearly 14,000 wish-es. Our vision is to someday grant thewish of every eligible child, every year.We believe that kids battling the oddscan benefit mentally, emotionally andphysically from wish experiences. In fact,according to a 2011 U.S. study of wishimpact, most health professionals sur-veyed believe a wish-come-true can influ-ence the physical health of wish kids.

By selecting the Make-A-WishFoundation of America, CFC #11375,you can share the power of a wish!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Jorge’s wish begins witha rite of passage as old asthe Marine Corps itself.Brig. Gen. Vincent A.Coglianese, command-ing general of Marine

Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base CampPendleton, swears him in.

Make-A-Wish Foundationof America


01040339


01040572

cfc2 mil102513

Documents