Re: Operation BBQ - Now Taking Donations!
 

Hey guys
Sorry to take so long to make a reply and a recap but I was locked out for a few weeks or something. I couldn't get this site to load for a few weeks. Who knows. Glad to be back.

I had not seen that blog the Assist Sec. had so thanks for the link.
Here is what the Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs gave me.

[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/certificate.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/certificate.jpg[/URL]

[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/coinfront.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/coinfront.jpg[/URL]

[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/coinback.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/coinback.jpg [/URL]

My Alltime favorite moment of the day was spending time with this young man. He relaxed and sang along with Captain Dave and we just enjoyed the moment together. We talk about each other's service like old warriors and best friends. He will be etched in my heart forever and ever. This boy here is the very reason I wanted to do this. I Praise God He let it happen.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq01.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq01.jpg[/URL]

We had permission from each Soldier to take and post their images. This Warrior was looking for and got and IED. It took his right hand and almost his right leg and life. He said he never saw it or heard it. All he knows is a white hot flash rushed past his face from right to left and he saw his hand was gone and then heard sound. Look how proudly he is standing still. This is the same young man seen talking with the Assist Sec in his blog. He was Shaken, Not Stirred.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq02.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq02.jpg[/URL]

This guy was one of the most positive guys I ever met. How did he get wounded? I don't know. I didn't ask and he didn't say. He didn't ask me how I got my wound but we spoke about healing and moving forward. I wish I could tell his Momma and Daddy how proud we all are of him.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq03.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq03.jpg[/URL]

This is what made this event even better. All the great Vols working together. This is "most" but not all the people. THANKS!!!!
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq04.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq04.jpg[/URL]

This is one of my newest bestest buddies. Thanks for all yer help and friendship old son.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq05.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq05.jpg[/URL]

We had a super long food line that rolled and rolled. This lady did smile most of the time.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq06.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq06.jpg[/URL]

Victor Stanley and Da Band playing Positive and Encouraging Christian Rock
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq07.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq07.jpg[/URL]

This Lady was the President of the USO and the man is the Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs Dr. Casserly. Yeah I had to Schmooze
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq08.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq08.jpg[/URL]

A proud moment but an unneeded nor expected thing. I did this for the kids but I was honored and proud to accept this award on behalf os ALL the Vols, Cookers and Supporters.
[URL="http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq09.jpg"]http://www.mikehedrick.com/opbbq/opbbq09.jpg[/URL]

Here are 250+ pics my friend Lisa took of the day. Awesome pics.
[url=http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560310305ARLpTF?vhost=good-times]Operation BBQ August 2007 pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots[/url]

It really was a Top 5 Day of my life guys. I spent only 12 hours there with the Troops but I savored every breath and every moment with them like it was the last of my life. I poured every bit of my heart and love and efforts into this and was rewarded just like I wanted and that was handshakes and smiles.

You think yer going to encourage them but they gave me such Hope and Trust in this next generation.

Thanks for the supports guys.

peace and Hail Skins
mike
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Re: Operation BBQ - Now Taking Donations!
 

this is really the best country on the planet, with the best people. sometimes all we need is a smile, or a warm hello, to reassure us of that. great work sbf

Re: Operation BBQ - Now Taking Donations!
 

Thanks for sharing Mike. Sounds like the event was awesome, and hopefully more people are able to follow your example and help these warriors out.

Re: Operation BBQ - Now Taking Donations!
 

What an awesome thing of you to do for are troops SBF. There should be more people like you in the world that care about making a difference. :goodjob: