Chicken Fried Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Hey guys, I am interested in organizing a trip for my church group to go visit with wounded soldiers. I see that Walter Reed recently moved into the Bethesda Medical Center, and I was hoping to visit there. Does anyone know if it's possible for the public to just go in and visit? If it is, has anyone done this or had any experience that could help me out? While contributing money and care packages to charities are great and necessary, I want to do something much more personal. Thanks a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 you will need to contact them in advance...there are a lot of restrictions at a Military Treatment Facility,and a visit to a rehab/convalesence center would probably be easier. they naturally don't just allow anyone access Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Fried Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 you will need to contact them in advance...there are a lot of restrictions at a Military Treatment Facility,and a visit to a rehab/convalesence center would probably be easier.they naturally don't just allow anyone access OK gotcha thanks. What would be a good rehab/convalescence center to go to? I don't know what would qualify as one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 it would be best to get a recommendation from Bethesda or try contacting the Wounded Warrior foundation,VFW ect they also have restrictions as to religious interaction and info in place not trying to discourage you,but it is a different world and rules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoolHandLuke Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 it would be best to get a recommendation from Bethesda or try contacting the Wounded Warrior foundation,VFW ectthey also have restrictions as to religious interaction and info in place not trying to discourage you,but it is a different world and rules I agree, the Wounded Warrior Foundation is probably your best bet. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mufumonk Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 it would be best to get a recommendation from Bethesda or try contacting the Wounded Warrior Project,VFW ect Wounded Warrior Project You might also try the USO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Fried Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 Thanks guys! I'll look into all of these options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destructis Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I am glad this thread came up. I was at Walter Reed Bethesda about two months ago. The troops that are there in the hospital have exceptional spirit from what I saw. I wasn't sure how to react when I saw this one. A soldier was in a wheel chair and he had no legs. He was zooming up and down the hall with the biggest smile on his face. He was wearing a t-shirt that say "I had a blast in Iraq" I don't think I be as positive as he was and at the time, I didn't know if I felt like laughing or crying. I wasn't really sure how I should feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Fried Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Wow, that's amazing. Those guys are incredible. How were you able to get in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burgold Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 I used to go all the time as a volunteer with a not for profit. We arranged it through public affairs. And yes, the young men and women in there are often inspiring, but gird yourself for the hard stuff too. Not sure what level of access you'll get, but I saw some really upsetting stuff. Strangely, the worst were simple things like a four year old girl leaning against a wall outside her daddy's room crying. That helpless feeling is really tough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destructis Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Wow, that's amazing. Those guys are incredible. How were you able to get in? I took my mother there for an eye appointment. My father was retired Army and she still has benefits. She turned 70 in December. She is also retired from the original Walter Reed for about a year and a half now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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