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Location: Stow, Ohio | At midnight on Sept 14th 2007 I left for Washington DC to take a carload of guitars to some of our wounded warriors being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. in all I took 8 acoustic guitars, 2 electric, 1 electric bass, 3 small practice amps, 2 violins, and a bunch of school supplies for the kids of the wounded troops.
I arrived at Walter Reed approx. 7:30 am. and at 9:30 am I had the privilege
of handing the guitars to each of the soldiers who wanted one.
I was there to thank these brave people for their service and sacrifices and here they are thanking me. I can tell you that tears did fall, but not of pity or sadness, but of gratitude, respect, and pride.
The policies regarding photograghy are very strict at WRAMC and I needed to get special permission and releases from the Public Affairs Office. in all 13 soldiers received instruments that morning, however due to many having other medical appointments I was only able to get 4 soldiers to pose for a photo.
Semper Fi
Paul |
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Location: East Tennessee | Thank You for the update AND for your willingness to do it in the first place.
My hat is off to you and all those hero's. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I'll second Mike's sentiments, Elliot. You're a good man and moves like that one score big points. Chalk up one for the good guys. |
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Posts: 166
Location: Veedersburg, Indiana | As a "retiree" from the U.S. Army, I also salute you for what you have done. You brighten someones life and that is a great thing to do! Kudo's to you!! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | This is one of the most outstanding things I have read in a long time. Thank you!
Dave |
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Location: Simpsonville, SC | Great gesture Elliot! A very noble and worthwhile cause. |
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Location: NJ | WellDone! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | +1 |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Outstanding: As a Vietman Vet, let me thank you for giving...it is so important to remember our Vets and to give them hope; as well as a "Thank You" for their service...it means everything!
I agree with Dave; one of the best stories I have read on this site!
Well Done! |
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Location: Vermont USA | Amen Bro.
Pauly |
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Location: big island | blessings upon you, paul! |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | There are some very cool people hanging around here, three huzzahs for one of the coolest. |
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Posts: 3969
| One of the most heartfelt and wonderful things I've seen in a long time. Congratulating you on your selflessness can't begin to repay your efforts. |
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April 2007
Posts: 225
Location: Stow, Ohio | Thanks for the kind words.
I am working on a guitar now that will be sent to an Army unit in Iraq. Recently I was able to purchase 10 instruments for $120.00 from a local distributor. well these are more C and D stock, but with a few hours work on each one I can make them playable instruments. A local Ford dealership called me up and had me pick up a guitar from them, it was a Toby Keith Fender Replica of the one used in the Ford Truck commercials. Now I need to get some more guitar strings, as I am all out! oh manufacturers ya wanna help a brutha out? :)
Well I had better get back to this guitar before the channel 3 new team gets here, the reporter is a Major in the National Guard, did a tour in Iraq, and also started learning to play guitar while in Iraq.
Semper Fi
Paul |
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Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Paul,
PM sent...
Semper Fi.
Mike |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Great job Paul! |
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April 2007
Posts: 225
Location: Stow, Ohio | Channel 3 news did an interview Thursday afternoon, as luck would have it, the reporter is a Major in the Ohio National Guard and Iraq veteran, who got really bored while in Iraq and bought a guitar and started learning how to play.
The story ran on the 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock news.
and since then I have had several emails with people wanting to donate their old guitars. I picked two of them up today. a "Vintage" mid 60's Harmony Classical guitar, and a 80's era Aria acoustic guitar.
The Aria is in excellent condition and after a quick string change will be heading for duty Tuesday morning. |
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July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | My apologies for not being on the OFC Board for quite sometime, but this story really is the nicest thing that I have read about to date. My hats off to your generosity, and the goodness of your heart to make a difference in the wellness of our veterans.
Thank you for sharing your story Elliot! :) |
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July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | My God bless you for doing this and troops for serving. If your still collecting stuff let me know.
Maybe I can come up with some stuff.
email me off boards
thanks |
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March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Elliot,
Package on the way Monday!
Semper Fi! |
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April 2007
Posts: 225
Location: Stow, Ohio | Pez,
I am always collecting stuff to send.
and I know these guys/gals will appreciate it.
Mike,
Thanks, I am looking forward to getting your string donation. I try to send each guitar with a two sets of strings, last I heard, Guitar Center has put a store in Baghdad........yet LOL!
Semper Fi
Paul |
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July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | OK
Let me see what I can do. |
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For those interested, the Walter Reed visit update