Top photo: Before a wreath placed at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial, the National Senior Vice-President and JoAnne Ketterer learn about the sacred grounds from Superintendent Bobby O. Bell.


Above photo: Taking a moment from their tree-trimming duties, groundskeepers at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery are thanked for their devotion to the grounds by the National Senior Vice-President.


ICU just out of surgery. He just wanted to get back to his unit. The attitude of those wounded warriors...it was all they could think about to get back to their buddies. It was astounding.” Lemley gave a heart pin she had made to one of the women soldiers with this message, “Please remember us and know we will always be there for you.”


24 LADIES AUXILIARY VFW MAGAZINE


Watching the medical staff in action was also “astounding,” she said. “They just pour out their love for them. I was sure to thank each one of them I talked to there for the caring they give. ‘It’s just our job,’ they said. “But it’s coming from the heart — we can tell.” Another heartwarming feature at Landstuhl was visiting Fisher House, a beautiful home with space large enough to move wheelchairs conveniently from room to room, large areas to cook and fully stocked pantries for soldiers and family members. Another stop provided a closeup of the Chaplains Closet, which gives supplies to the veterans evacuated to the hospital with only the clothes on their backs.


Lemley also toured The


Warrior Center which functions similar to a USO Club, which soldiers were using that day to play their guitars, watch football and play video games. “What great people we met, what beautiful sights we saw, and what an eye-opening experience,” Lemley said, a comment that was fi tting for the entire trip. “It [Europe tour] was very exciting. It was an experience I’ll always remember...Overall, I think the warmth of the people we met was what was so wonderful.” ■ MS


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