HomeMy WebLinkAboutMary Hinton_Tequesta Magazine_12/2010 Florida alone. Most of the soldiers AWWSC serves are
® in on in their 20s with severe injuries.
M ar y "Their stories are unbelievable," said Hinton. "One sol-
dier was blown up eight times. He had shrapnel in one
eye and was blind in the other. Even so, they have a
Former Mayor tremendous sense of humor. During the first trip, there
`.• ' was a soldier who had lost his right arm and right leg.
Helps Wounded Warriors Another soldier commented that he couldn't believe
how generous people were to provide them with
the trip at no charge. The amputee soldier jokingly
By Doreen Poreba responded by saying, "What do you mean? It cost me
an arm and a leg to be here!"
Y . tion through the Lankler Family Foundation and Welcome baskets greet the families with everything
first began using their property in Maryland to host they need and then some, thanks to the generosity
of donors. AWWSC provides grocery gift cards, bab
.. wounded soldiers and their families. AWWSC offers P g rY g Y
r them a relaxing week where they can step away from diapers and formula and whatever their particular situ-
} the hospitals and small apartments to reconnect and ation requires. They get charged nothing.
t ` concentrate on just being a family again. Hinton also noted the strong community support
"We discovered through their experiences in Maryland AWWSC has received, including the Village of Tequesta's
that when a soldier or a marine was injured in Iraq council, the American Legion and the Marine Corps
or Afghanistan and recuperating from life - alternating League of Florida.
s a former mayor of Jupiter, Mary Hinton, now injuries, their families were brought to Walter Reed
a Tequesta resident, has proven her leadership
A AWWSC also offers emotional support.
Hospital, where the wife and kids would have one
qualities and has been involved in a myriad room and share a kitchen. We give them their own "'We do a lot of talking with them if they want," said
of great causes. But she has never been more touched home and the can transition back into a family over a Hinton. "Psychiatrists confirm they're in a much better
o y
by the cause she is involved with today: A Wounded state of mind when they leave."
five day period. It's a five day vacation."
Warrior's Second Chance, Inc. (AWWSC). AWWSC also stays in touch with some of the families
Hinton has been involved with AWWSC in Florida
Its mission is to assist wounded service members and since its inception a little more than a year ago and who still need help when they leave.
their families in their transition from military to civil- serves as its executive director. The selection of families "These soldiers put their life on the line and do it hap -
ian life by offering a vacation experience at Florida is coordinated through the Wounded Soldier Transition pily, that's their job," she said. "They're the most inspi-
residences. The idea is to provide these families with a Unit, a branch of the US Military. rational people I've ever dealt with — not letting their
relaxed, pleasant and welcoming environment. injuries define their lives. It makes me feel the thin
Each trip costs about $15,000 s g
,, It's the most fulfilling organza- and most everything needed is that happen in my life seem petty."
tionI've ever been involved with,° donated. If you would like to donate or get involved, call (561)
said Hinton. "You see these fami- In Florida, AWWSC hosts families 746 -5873 or visit AWWSC's Website, http: / /awound-
lies come in, mentally battered.
in four homes on the Loxahatchee
edwarriorssecondchance.or
They've been through a lot, men -
tally very quiet when they arrive River, and a compound of homes
on Friday, by Saturday they're Lill next door to each other, either
loosening up and by Sunday I on the ocean or along the river.
they're part of the family. It's t'' Hinton said Jimmy Williams, a
very fulfilling that you've done lifelong Jupiter resident who
something for someone who has owns Carpenter's Roofing, pro -
done far more for you. vides them with a limousine
A LA and their own driver during the
"I was in the Vietnam generation �- time they're here. The typical '
and saw how Vietnam Vets were five day period includes cook -
treated," she added. I swore, as .t.
an American, that would never outs, guided deep sea fishing,
happen again. That's our resolve, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle
boards, and a full day at the spa
to treat these families and soon- for the women. Kids' activities
to -be veterans with the honor
4 t include going to BounceU, a
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