I was set back on my heels today

[hidestoart]

This afternoon I got a call from the wife to say I got a package from Rolla MO. Not knowing anyone there this peaked my interest. When I got home there was a bubble pack on my desk. What I found inside brought tears to my eyes.

As some know I do custom leather work and have my own line of tools. About two months ago a friend in Wyoming asked me if I would donate some tools to a group that needed some but could not afford them. I was in a hurry with something that was important at time that I can not even remember now, I did not ask who, where or why I just sent them to him.

I opened the package and inside was a leather folder that was tooled with Hides to Art basket stamps. Inside the folder was a simple picture of solders from the wounded warriors program working leather with my tools and smiling. Each had signed their name with a thank you. Being a Vet myself I was ashamed that I had not done this before or sent more. In my haste to get off the phone I never asked what they needed I just sent what I had extra of. I will fix my short coming in the morning and ask for forgivness tonight when the lights go off.

Thanks for listening to my confession

Here is the card they sent

[RoyalCake]

Very cool - that's a neat group and extra special they are enjoying something that you provided them.
I'd feel proud if I were you too

[hidestoart]

RoyalCake,
I am kicking myself for not taking the time to hear who needed them. I was concerned only for myself at the time of the call. I cant run back the clock or ask for a do over. But I do have another package sitting here ready to go out tomorrow.

[RoyalCake]

If I had a time for every time I could have helped those that deserve it I'd be rich.
No need to worry about the past - only feel good about what you given them!

Shane

[rmagnus]

Confession hell you rocked it. Wounded Warriors Program is the real deal. Feel proud you did something for them. If more people just helped a little that program would be over the top.

I want to say thank you for doing what you did. Semper Fi Brother!

[tiddle]

good on you man. You may not think you did enough, but I'm sure those vets are appreciative of the gesture none the less. Awesome program.

[Bruno]

In my haste to get off the phone I never asked what they needed I just sent what I had extra of. I will fix my short coming in the morning and ask for forgivness tonight when the lights go off.

Imo there is no need for feeling ashamed or asking forgiveness.
You were very busy yet still took the time to do what you could and send what you had an extra of, without even knon why or whom it would go to. I'd call that laudable!

[onimaru55]

For one day, you did good. If you feel a need you can do better tomorrow.

[hidestoart]

Wounded Warriors Program is the real deal. If more people just helped a little that program would be over the top.

Semper Fi Brother!

rmagnus,

You are so right, if everyone did just a little something this would be over the top.
Every one of us -Vet or not have our demons to deal with. I thank every single one of those unsung heroes helping them to deal with theirs.

I am taking a trip to West Missouri. in January for a honing lesson. I will be going thru Rolla on the way there. In the package there is a letter asking if it would be ok for me to stop by and offer tips and encouragement to these solders, I hope they will accept.

I would encourage everyone to do a little something for these people. These Men and Women signed the blank check - for the amount of up to their lives.

Simper Fi my brother, Simper Fi

[hidestoart]

There is redemption in the world.

Thursday Dec 5th on a trip to Raleigh NC to learn how to hone I was still troubled so I called my buddy in Wyoming. I asked him how I could contact this group directly. After digging around for a couple of minutes and chit chat about me not listening I had the Phone # and called. I apologized for not asking more questions when the request came and told them more tools were on the way.
I was asked if it would be alright with me, if the new tools went on to Ft. Collins CO. I agreed and the new tools will be sent to the soldiers there in a new start up group.

We talked for a little while longer and I found out this is an actual U.S. Army unit falling under the hospital command. These soldiers are undergoing Medical treatment for active wounds, therapy and evaluation for discharge. (Yes The Real Deal)
This "Warrior Transition Unit" is located at Ft. Leonard Wood MO. However every Army Base has a "Warrior Transition Unit" also falling under the hospital Command. Sadly however this group is not funded by the government

I ask if there might be a chance that I could stop by for a couple of hours to offer pointers or encouragement during the trip I have planed in January to Kansas City. What came next rocked me to my core, I was humbly asked if there was anyway I would consider spending a day with them and putting on a full scale class. I guess the silence was so long on my end that he must have thought I hung up. I got it together enough to say emphatically "YES".
At the end of January this year I will have the honor to meet these Men & Women face to face and shake their hand. Sharing with these soldiers will be in the top 1% of the things I can say I am proud I did with my life.

If there are any people out there that would like to help out in this program either in person or with tools they don't use any longer, please contact me so I can put you in direct contact with Terry.