Church Blog

News from Wounded Warriors

The Wounded Warriors ministry prepares and serves food to those wounded in military service and their families at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. twice a month.  Michael Thompson and Steve Madden (pictured at right with Gary Sinise) sent in encouraging news from their last visit on Saturday, August 28.

Saturday morning food prep took a little longer than usual since we are now serving 150 lunches. As always, the trip to the hospital from Covenant Life Church was a time of excitement. It was also a time to reflect on the sacrifices that these men and women have offered up for their country and the privilege that we have to give back to them in some small, yet meaningful way. We barely had time to set up our lunchroom before people were asking, “Is it lunch time yet?” From 11 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m., we were privileged to serve lunch to a few of the vets themselves (though most of them don’t leave their rooms), their families and loved ones, and various people on staff. Their smiles, thanks and gratefulness were at times overwhelming.

It has been wonderful to become familiar with the staff that we see each time. Words truly cannot describe the affect of this ministry, not only on those who are being served, but also on those of us privileged enough to be part of this ministry team. Even those who can’t actually serve at the hospital have helped by making cash donations or making a tray of food. They contribute to the success of this endeavor as well. To meet these people and then be able to pray for them (and sometimes pray with them!) is truly a blessing. I’m proud that our church is involved in this needed ministry, and hope that one day we can do this every week!

This particular Saturday was even more eventful than usual. My job at the hospital after we get set up is to make rounds of the floor letting people know that we have free lunches. I started up the hall toward one of the nurses’ stations, and saw an unusually large crowd gathered and a woman taking pictures with a Polaroid camera. When I got there, the woman turned to me and asked, “Would you like to meet Gary Sinise?” Well my jaw just about dropped! For those who have seen the movie “Forest Gump,” Gary Sinise plays “Lt. Dan Taylor.” There he was, standing there holding his hand out introducing himself to me! The lady snapped the picture, and I was able to thank him for his involvement with supporting our military. That particular day he was going from room to room talking to the wounded vets on the floor. So… you never know what you’re going to experience when you serve there; each time has been unique.

–Steve Madden

It was an amazing experience to visit the hospital again. The staff loves seeing us. They look forward to the yummy lunches provided by Covenant Life. At one point, the head nurse came into our lunchroom and asked if she could take two plates, one for herself and one for a patient. I volunteered to help her carry a plate to its destination. She gladly accepted the offer. To my surprise, she led me to a room and left me to bring the lunch to a young injured soldier in his early twenties. He had worked in reconnaissance and suffered devastating injuries in an explosion. Three of his four limbs were removed, and the remaining hand was seriously damaged. I was undone by the sincere, humble gratitude he expressed. All I could say was, “Thank you, young man.”

As family members filed into the room, I explained that I was part of a group from Covenant Life Church that provides lunches to show our support of the servicemen and their families. They responded with cheerful smiles. Sandwiches and fruit salad are small tokens, but I am so glad that we are able to offer an expression of love to these people who have sacrificed so much.

–Michael Thompson