We are very blessed to be meeting so many compassionate people behind some wonderful organizations caring for our wounded warriors.

Today, we would like to introduce you to Jim and Mary Lou Reisdorf of the New York Chapter of Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation. Jim and Mary Lou started the New York chapter five years ago, raising funds to support the annual Upland NY Bird Hunt/Couples Retreat in Lyons, New York for 3 Wounded Warriors and their wives. Jim Reisdorf was a Vietnam Veteran who although found it difficult to speak of his personal wartime experiences found solace in helping other veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim passed away in November 2013. But his memory lives on through Mary Lou ‘s gallant efforts. This years hunt and retreat is dedicated to Jim Reisdorf.

The goal of these annual events is to world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor our veteran’s sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with the communities and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. The men are all Purple Heart Awardees who suffer from significant mental and physical injuries as a result of the service they performed for our country while in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also honors the wives who have given so much support to their husbands.

Mary Lou understood military sacrifice before meeting and marrying her Vietnam Veteran husband. She worked for the Department of the Defense teaching the children of our soldiers at the U.S. Military bases in Japan and Germany between 1969-1973.

“The pheasant hunting was awesome! But, it was not just the hunting, it was the fellowship with my fellow veterans and all of the volunteers who gave their time and their hearts. There is a special healing that is difficult to explain when I get in the woods to hunt. It immediately calms me being in the woods or in a field in a country atmosphere. I was very at ease which doesn’t happen too often. The volunteers were very in tune to each of our injuries. It was not the shooting that was so important but the fellowship and friends we made. The ultimate harvest was the friendships we made and the connections our wives made with each other. It was truly a healing weekend for the vets and the wives also. Thank you so much for the chance and honor to be chosen to be a part of something so special”
~SFC Todd Shaw & SGT Cathy Shaw
Retired US Army

For those interested in making donations, make checks payable to:
WOUNDED WARRIORS IN ACTION FOUNDATION
Memo: NY Bird Hunt Couple Retreat
6516 Dolphin Cove Drive
Apollo Beach, Florida 33572
wwiaf.org

Comes A Soldier’s Whisper honoring our veterans one day at a time.
Proud Daughter of a 101st Airborne Paratrooper,
Jenny Tharp La Sala

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