Such Generosity
Posted by Warren Enos on 14 Jan 2007 | Tagged as: General
BRAIN INJURED VETERAN GETS HELP
Recently we reported on the difficulties Frank Sandoval, an Army sergeant, and wife Michelle were having after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq.
After an extensive and painful move from the combat zone to the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, and a number of reconstructive surgeries, he finally was able to go home.
His injury, treatment, personal, and family difficulties were told in a five part series in the San Jose Mercury News. As a result, countless numbers of people responded with cards, letters, and money, both for Frank and his family and the veterans hospital as well.
Rob Henderson, for example, knew how a brain injury impacts an entire family. His own brother, Scott, was badly injured when hit by a car. That’s why he worked hard to raise money from Frank and Michelle, ultimately raising $17,500. Rob said, “Let’s make sure Frank gets a house in 2007. He has sacrificed enough for his country.”
To date, people have donated $43,500 to the Sandovals. Also, the VA has received more than $83,000 to be used by families of veterans being treated in Palo Alto. By law the hospital cannot use federal money to help families.
“I didn’t think there were so many supportive people out there who would understand what we were going through,” Michelle said.
The Sandovals still need a lot of financial help. Here’s how to make a donation:
–Funds Checks should be made out to Sgt. Frank M. Sandoval and mailed to him at Trust Acct. No. 7848-010, AEA Federal Credit Union, Box 13000, Yuma, AZ 85366-3000.
Tax-deductible donations to Sandoval can be made through the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Foundation. Checks should be made out to the foundation with a notation that they are intended for Sandoval and sent to 104-15 100th St. Ozone Park, N.Y. 11417. For information about the foundation, go to http://www.rogerfoundation.org/.
Donations to families of injured veterans at Palo Alto VA by making out checks to VA Palo Alto OIF/OEF Fund 2205 and mailed to VA Palo Alto Health Care System, c/oVoluntary Service, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.
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Last night on TV, I caught a heart rendering portrayal of a young marine who lives today thanks to our military doctors. After many surgeries, he is able to talk, see and hear but his facial features are now unbelievably twisted and scarred into a cruel caricature of his once handsome appearance. Add to this calamity, the amputation of his left arm. However, this young man was blessed with a loyal and supportive fiancee and credits her with his will to survive.
The couple have recently married and the TV program showed clips from their full military wedding. A happy pair who had already taken on so much about to launch into a life of wedded bliss. I could not help but think of how much respect and help this young couple deserves from all of us. Hopefully, a contributory fund will be established to assist these newlyweds in alleviating immediate financial concerns.
For me this also brought back a remembrance of a friends WWII wounds and facial disfigurement. His name was George “”Buck”" Gillespie from Alturas, California. A grenade explosion during the invasion of Italy cost him the sight of both eyes. In his case as in the young Marine’s case, many surgeries were performed after Buck was stabilized and returned to California. However, being blind, Buck didn’t worry about his looks. He wouldn’t let his blindness get in his way. He built a two car garage by himself and in the process fell off the roof. Fortunately he only broke an ankle and not his undaunted spirit.
It was during this time that I first got to know Buck and my house in Gardena, CA became the poker session location for him and a half a dozen other blinded veterans, utilizing Braille playing cards and bowls to hold the chips.
Buck wasn’t one for self-pity. He had a strong desire to help other disabled veterans. He frequently criss-crossed the USA visiting and providing encouragement to others. Before long, he became the head of the Blinded Veterans of America in Washington D.C.
As destiny would have it I too left California and was stationed at BuShips at the same time he moved to the area. Daily we boarded the same bus on Lee Highway in Arlington, VA for the trip to downtown Washington. How wonderful it was back then to share experiences with a man who was making a difference.
Buck eventually settled in Connecticut and I in California Then about ten years ago, I received a welcomed phone call. Buck would soon be visiting in Southern California and hoped we could get together. Well, of course, I was ecstatic about seeing my old friend again and we had a great time during which Buck introduced me to the joys of vegetarian pizza.
Buck passed away a few years later. He died while attending a Blinded Veterans Reunion in Washington D.C. He was an inspiration to all of us and I wonder at the words of wisdom he might have had for the young marine whose story went across the airwaves last evening.