The Soldier Girl wrote:Aw thanks Ms. Corelli!! The symposium is NOT next month like I stated, had my months mixed up. Its in JULY. So now that it finally dawned on me that next month is NOT July, I have some time to practice and figure everything out. I was worried that because it was right around the corner (Or so I thought), I would be so lost on exactly what issues I am supposed to talk about, what the Army Public Affairs guy will let say and not say or answer questions about, ect. Phew!
Do ya'll celebrate Memorail Day in the UK or have a holiday like it?
You're welcome Darc!
So it's in July eh...well that gives you a bit more time to prepare but I know you'll do well.
We don't have Memorial Day here in the UK we have Remembrance Sunday which falls on the nearest Sunday to November 11th the date that saw the end of the First World War - The armistice. Remembrance Sunday remembers the soldiers, sailors, airman, doctors, nurses, medial services, public transport workers, police and civilians that served in all wars and conflicts since WW1.
Aw thanks Ms. Corelli!! The symposium is NOT next month like I stated, had my months mixed up. Its in JULY. So now that it finally dawned on me that next month is NOT July, I have some time to practice and figure everything out. I was worried that because it was right around the corner (Or so I thought), I would be so lost on exactly what issues I am supposed to talk about, what the Army Public Affairs guy will let say and not say or answer questions about, ect. Phew!
Do ya'll celebrate Memorail Day in the UK or have a holiday like it?
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"My heart beat thrice, twice, once...and then no more the moment a passing comet bespoke of your fall from grace".
Recently I was nominated for something very special, and yesterday I found out that I was picked for it.
Most of you here know that I was in a Wounded Warrior Unit for about two and a half years due to injuries and PTSD from the war. I was Medically retired in December, 2008 and because of the severity & nature of my disability, placed in what is called AW2. AW2 was put in place to help Soldiers with severe disabilties to continue to receive help and support from the Army, be it jobs, school, special requirements like needing a house that is modified for your injury, counseling and therepy for as long as it takes.
The AW2 holds regular conferences where the top issues Soldiers and their families are having can be addressed. The people who go to these conferences called "Symposiums", that are held thru-out the US are called delegates. What the delegates do is work to find the top five issues and bring national attention/awareness to them by talking with top Army Commands and the public/media.
I was flabbergasted and humbled when I found out that I was nominated and now chosen to speak for them. To me, its an Honor to be able to help fellow wounded Soldiers and their loved ones (and also the families of Soldiers killed in action). I hope I will not let them down, but I will not lie, I am nervous and a bit intimidated about it all as I will be speaking infront of a few hundred folks and media.
Next month I will be going for four days to the "Symposium 2009: I AM AW2" conference in San Antonio, TX. And then possibly start going to other conferences held around the US, as the voice for the injured Soldiers/families stationed on Fort Hood. No pressure though, lol. But truely I am honored/humbled that the base Command has that much faith and respect in me, to give me such a rare and special mission.
It's making me more aware of what Memorial Day is all about, ya know?
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"My heart beat thrice, twice, once...and then no more the moment a passing comet bespoke of your fall from grace".
