Lankler Family Foundation and Operation Second Chance really supporting the troops

I love to post stories like this. There is so much suffering out there of our wounded and veterans that it's hard to not get totally depressed with the overwhelming need. When stories like this are reported, they should receive as much attention as possible because they prove what we can do for them if we really want to.

Soldiers treated to some rest and relaxation by local residents
By Kit Bradshaw (Contact)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The scene at Castaways in Jupiter on June 29 was typical of the popular Jupiter Inlet nightspot.

The smell of barbecue wafted through the palm trees that shaded the sand-covered sitting areas and the sound of voices rose and fell in the early evening.

What was different, however, were the guests of honor.

Young men distinguished by their graciousness, their good humor and the unmistakable scars of war in the arms and legs missing or now augmented by space age prostheses.

The five young men and their families were feted by area residents, primarily from Tequesta, who opened their homes and hearts to these soldiers, back from the grenade strikes or bombings in Iraq or Afghanistan that forever changed their lives.

“I salute you. Thank you so much,” said several older members of American Legion Post 271, many of whom remembered the battles of wars past.

Among the soldiers and their families who were enjoying a week of relaxation were John Sloan, his wife Tiffany and three children; Corey Lyons and his wife and their two little ones; David Battle, with his wife Lakeisa and family members; Alfredo Delossantos and his wife Jeannette and two children; and Keith Maul and his wife Meghan.

While the soldiers were in the area, they lived in homes provided by Tequesta resident Sandy Lankler; feasted on a barbecue last Saturday, hosted by Edna Runner and a group from her church in Limestone Creek; went fishing, thanks to Tequesta Councilor Vince Arena and “Black Dog”, and were looking forward to more beach time as their time in Florida wound down.

The break from months of physical therapy at Walter Reed Hospital was part of Operation Second Chance, whose founder, Cindy McGrew met Lankler. Together, they created this week of respite.

Once a month, the Lankler Family Foundation also provides a weekend retreat for the wounded solders and their families in Buckeystown, Maryland.

read more here

Soldiers treated to some rest and relaxation by local residents