M. Reisdorf

What an honor and a privilege to have with us this year two Vietnam Vets; Bruce Dwyer and Rick Falcone. It was a time to say (a little too late) “Welcome home” and “Thank you for your service” To have Jesse Steele, to thank him for his service. It was an honor to have Milt Yagel, who attended this last year. He was amazing and such a help in all areas. Added to that at our game dinner, Jesse, Milt and Nick Pilozzi (here in 2012) reunited after serving in Afghanistan together. I want to thank Jim (JR) once again for beginning this in 2010; Lt Col John McDaniel for having faith in us, Fae Horseley for bringing forward in my mind that we need to honor the wives, beginning in 2012, for their sacrifices they have endured through the years as support in all areas. I thank God for my daughter Christie, son in law Shawn, for being my right arm. I also thank my community for all the support they provide so that this dream is a real reality. I thank whispering Pines Hideaway for all that they provide. Joh Nolander for arranging dog handlers and events day time and to our dog handlers and Carol Buisch. It is so hard to describe as we all begin as strangers, to walking away as if we have been in each other’s lives as friends, forever. The heroes who so enjoy the bird hunt, (male bonding time) from sadness of experiences, pains endured to laughter of jokes told. The wives in their limo ride for a beautiful Kewka Lake wine tour to brunch and spa treatments at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa. The female time to share their experiences, pains, joys of being the wife and supporter (Lorie, Pam, Katie)
The appreciation from these couples is amazing from “why are you doing this, we don’t deserve it” to the many “thank you” from each of them. The community, family, friends who come to meet these couples at our game dinner to the Patriot Guard Riders of NY who escort them to our farewell dinner Sunday night. I thank God for being a friend to each of these couples.