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SemperMax Team –
I hope things are going well, wherever you are. Memorial Day is always a great day. During that day, I sit back and remember those who I have been with. I think about time I/we spent in deserts, jungles, cities, and of course bars. Oh yes, the good old days!
Nowadays, the locations I think about are different. Instead of deserts and jungles, I think of military and VA hospitals. Instead of cities and bars, I think of events and homes. Despite the differences in locations, I do think about the same type of people....WARRIORS!
I have met so many Warriors and Warrior Families.... it's pretty amazing. An amazing number of people who have dealt with their, or their family members; wounds, injuries, illnesses and Goldstars. As most of you know, you are on my SemperMax Team - WIIG's. And I have always hoped that we could get together some day.
And that is what this e-mail/invitation is all about.
Situation
Basically, there are two:
1. See Old Friends/Make Some New Ones - To me, this is the most important thing. I don't just think it, I know it. Loneliness is the worst part of injury. Leg loss, blindness, TBI... anything that results in being medevac is nothing compared to being Team-less. I don't understand the medical reason. But in a way, I do understand. I tend to put everything into military tactics. And I know that I would HATE to clear an objective all by myself. I would much rather have a buddy, a subordinate or even a senior. Given a choice between clearing a building by myself, and clearing a building with a guy I don't particularly like; I'm going with the guy.
Fighting the battles associated with our injuries is no different. And yet, that is exactly what we try to do. We truly are warriors. And warriors don't like to complain. We think of problems associated with injuries exactly that, complaints. So we say nothing and before long, we are alone.
And another thing - a better reason to get together is to celebrate! Celebrate what you have accomplished since you were wounded. And celebrate what you accomplished in your war. Be proud. And while it is hard to talk to your high school buddies, talking to other team-mates is as easy as.... well, you know.
2. Share Your Lessons Learned - Since you were drafted into the Wounded/Injured/Ill/Goldstar Family Team, you have been through a lot. And if you stop and think for just a minute, you would realize how much you have learned. From understanding the medical language to the truth associated with the medicine you have been taking, is amazing. To this day, I learn things about myself, my abilities, and my medicine. It blows me away. If only I had known, if someone had told me, I might have done something different.
Let's share that information. Like sharing information with: Doctors ("Quit Pretending You Know Everything"), Nurses ("Spend a minute reading our medical history BEFORE asking us how we feel today"), Families ("Please be patient" or "Don't be so patient"), Supporters ("I Recommend this" or "I LOVE that"), and most importantly, Wounded Warriors and our SemperMax Team ("Don't give up!", "Join our team!").
Mission
Have a Warrior2Warrior get-together/lesson learned conference.
Execution
I'm honored to invite you to the 1st SemperMax Team "Lessons Learned".
Who?
Primary-Wounded, Ill, Injured, Goldstar Families and their families.
Secondary-Supporters
What?
Get together, share stories, pass good information, etc.
When?
25-27 June.
Where?
Tampa, Florida; very near the Tampa VA Hospital.
Why?
Would you clear a building all by yourself? Why fight these battles all along?
Administration and Logistics This conference session will take place near Tampa, Florida.
4012 Tampa Road
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Nearby-
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612-4745 - (813) 972-7631
Timeline
Friday 25 June Supporters Day
1200 Check in
(Organizations, Family Members, others)
1800 Dinner
Meet and Greet
Saturday 26 June
1200 Main Check-In
WIIGs
1300 Tell Your Story
I will set up a video camera (place TBD) where you can/could tell your story.
Drop Your Note
If you have ideas/topics that you would like to discuss at the dinner, drop a note at the “Tell Your Story” video location. Chatting is also welcome, but having a note will help me.
1600 Conference/Lessons Learned Commences
1800 Dinner Commences
Conversations Continue
2200 Conference Completed
Sunday 27 June
Visit James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Cost
Transportation:
SemperMax cannot afford to pay for your travel. My apologies.
Hotel: WIIGs/WIIG Families hotels are paid for by SemperMax. 10 hotel rooms are reserved for 25 June, and 25 hotel rooms are reserved for 26 June.
Food: The Marriott Residence Inn Tampa Oldsmar provides breakfast The Conference Call/Get-Together Dinner (26 June) is free.
Communications
I need you to contact me by Sunday, 20 June, so that I can crunch the numbers.
Remember this: the money that I will use to pay for this event is not my money. It is not SemperMax's money. That money belongs to American citizens who just loaned it to me. They want me to do exactly what we all will do at the first SemperMax get-together/Lessons Learned.
Hope to see you there.
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