Monday, August 31, 2015

Pizza For a Purpose

     In October, 2013, West End Pizza planned a welcome home party for Hal Degenhardt who had just returned from Afghanistan.  Somewhere in the planning the welcome home was transformed into a fund raiser to benefit Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry (WWAN).  What an unexpected blessing for the new local ministry.  

Janet & Hal Presenting "Check" to WWAN



     This will be the third year that Janet & Hal host "PIZZA FOR A PURPOSE" with proceeds going to support WWAN.  There will be live entertainment and lots of great items to be raffled off thanks to the generosity of local merchants. And of course, a DELICIOUS Buffet.  Following are the details.  Hope to see you there!



232 W. Main Street ~ Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


For Information Contact Janet Degenhardt at (830) 456-2877 or janet@westendpizzacompany.com

To Sponsor or Donate Auction Items contact Debbi McCurdy at (830) 998-2920 or debbimccurdy@gmail.com 

Hal & Janet with Family at 2013 Pizza with a Purpose

Hal with Fellow Vets at 2013 Pizza with a Purpose

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

First of Two Events


This Ministry is very Blessed by the support this and surrounding communities are providing.  Here is an opportunity to continue that support so the ministry can continue providing respite to the wounded, injured & ill, their families and care providers.  There are even prizes for the Best USO DANCE ATTIRE!!  Hope to See You There!!
 

 

Includes FREE Swing Dance Lesson From 7-8 PM &

Dinner, 2 Drink Tickets, Dance & Silent Auction

 

DANCE FEATURES BILL SMALLWOOD & THE LONESTAR SWING ORCHESTRA

PURCHASE TICKETS FROM HANGAR HOTEL (830) 997-9990 OR BY CALLING DEBBI MCCURDY (830) 998-2920

 

Proceeds Benefit Wounded Warriors at Nebo 
and STAY in Fredericksburg

Our Sincere Thanks and Appreciation Go Out to the Women who are Organizing this the FIRST OF TWO Fund Raising Events.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Your Big Chance!

There is this incredible group of ladies who are working together to raise money for this Ministry.  One of the things they are doing is raffling off the Utility Wagon pictured below.  Tickets are $50 each but they are only selling 250 which increases your chance of winning.  The drawing for the winner will be September 5th at the USO Dinner/Dance (also a fund raiser).  You do not have to be present to win.  

All proceeds will be used to help continue providing Retreats, R&R weekends and Day Events for wounded, injured & ill in the WTB at Fort Sam Houston.

 

To Purchase Tickets Contact 

Debbi McCurdy, (830) 998-2920 or

Hanger Hotel, (830) 997-9990

Company B Family Day




On a hot summer day in August for a few hours families came together, they put the hardships and demands of work and recovery on hold to celebrate life. The Fredericksburg Wounded Warriors at Nebo  helped bring relaxation and spiritual mending to some of our most deserving service men and women.


 
On August 14, 2015 approximately 35 veterans and their families converged on the Lazy U Ranch located in Seguin Texas. Nestled under majestic pecan and cypress trees is a piece of heaven. Families took part in archery, fishing, kayaking, self defense classes, swimming, and board games. Some braved the old fashion rope swing and others sat back and simply enjoyed the peacefulness of children's laughter and the bond only blood brothers and sisters could understand. There was also bingo, bike riding and a good old fashion Texas barbecue. 


The true art of service is to give without expectation, through the hard work of many, families that have sacrificed so much were blessed to at least for this day come together to enjoy what being a American hero is all about! 





 Like us  on Face Book and see more pictures from this event!! 

 

Friday, August 7, 2015

Company A's Day Out aka Expanding the Ministry





In the beginning of this ministry we believed our mission was to minister to the wounded, injured  and ill.  Then, through experience and talking with the soldiers, care providers and chaplain, events were expanded to include the warrior's family.  You see, there were numerous offers of hunting & fishing trips, activities like bowling, skiing, golf, etc. all directed at the warrior; but very little for the family to experience as a family unit. So we started focusing on the entire family when planning events.  It is amazing how many times we have heard "It's great to be able to do things as a family" or "It's so seldom we get to getaway and play as a family", etc.  Thankfully we never stop learning and listening to God.

Over the past couple of years it has become apparent that the warriors are not the only ones needing a break and to be "loved on". Chaplain Ginsburg has helped us to understand that the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) staff  need a break now and then also.  You see, they walk side by side with the wounded, injured and ill through their physical and mental healing, therapy, frustrations and victories.  They insure the warriors get to their appointments, help guide them through the WTB maze and offer moral support and friendship. Staff share some of the stress and frustrations of the warriors especially those who were once wounded themselves.

While the wounded, injured and ill have priority for attending WWAN events, we have been including staff to fill events.  Then last September we sponsored a "Chaplain's Day Out".  Recently some of the WTB commanders asked if we would coordinate an event specifically for staff and their family members.  After much discussion and prayer we agreed.

Stacy Johnson & Nancy Russell with breakfast items
On July 31st at least forty (40) staff members from Company A, WTB and family members traveled to the Lazy U Ranch, Seguin, TX for a day of play and renewal.  The 100 acre ranch which is bordered by the Guadeloupe River and Lake Placid provides an ideal area for kayaking and other water sports or just splashing around.  There are also lots of trails for bicycling and hiking.   For those wanting something less physical, board games, archery and bean bag toss are available.

As participants arrived they picked up breakfast items and headed to the pavilion to see who was there and what was going on.
 
Cyclists cruising
  It wasn't long before the self defense instructors had a class going, cyclists were cruising around the ranch, archery lessons and lots of games were in progress.



Learning Basic moves for Self Defense









Godly Grilliers





Soon the Godly Grillers arrived and started cooking sausage and chicken for lunch.  The Godly Grillers are a volunteer group from  Community Bible Church in San Antonio (check out their Facebook page CBC-Godly-Grilliers).  They are a generous fun bunch of guys in addition to being good cooks.


  

As we were finishing lunch the kayaks arrived from Olympic Outdoor Center in San Marcos.  Thanks to Ben Kvanli for donating their use.










Brad passing out Koloches
Saying thank you is not nearly enough to express our appreciation to Brad Bowen, Adaptive Sports Military Program.  He arranged for the kayaks, bicycles, instructors for archery and self defense.  There's probably more that I'm missing but it's safe to say that Brad "Made It Happen".  On top of that Brad is simply a nice man who cares.



Of course Craig and Nancy Russell, Lazy U owners, were right in the middle of all the activities making everyone feel welcome and sharing the history of the ranch and memorial.  Thank you for making your ranch available for recreational activities for the military and creating the SS American Memorial. 

To see more photographs of the event like us on facebook.com/ww.nebo