8 January 2015
The shocking, incredible news of the civilian deaths in Paris yesterday is a continual wake-up call (and Warning) that we live in an uncertain world full of hatred. As a Veteran, I'm never pleased to see our citizens have to don a uniform and go and fight the world's conflicts. But it's been that way since 1776 and especially so, it seems since 2001. As a Veteran and a parent I can appreciate that we as a nation can find better ways to let our youth develop and assume future leadership of our country. And then acts of terrorism happen, such as the killings in Paris yesterday and once again I'm reminded that war is a dirty business, usually conducted by younger people, and we can't turn a blind eye or simply sit on the sidelines and wring our hands. The wounded have continued to come home since 2001 and most citizens are unaware of their presence in our midst. If I had never served in the military I could be one of those - unaware and uninformed - watching the news at night and watching President Obama talk about "end games" "troop reductions" "fulfilling my promises." He should take a walk with me through the halls, clinics, and offices of the VAMC in Washington, DC. Each time I have to, I'm sitting in rooms full of all those who have come home from conflicts and wars since 2001. We talk. They're young men (and Women! Lots of young women) but there is a common bond and I'm now the old Vet talking to the young Vet. There is another bond and that is what this posting is about. I talk to families too. Moms helping their sons and daughters. Sons and daughters helping their Dads. Wives helping their husbands.
After 2001 there was a great need to provide the families of the wounded with safe harbor while visiting their sons, daughters, and family members in military and veteran hospitals. Many of these families had to travel hundreds of miles and hadn't the means to spend the time or money on it. The Fisher House organization was established to provide the means; a nice accommodation for the families located near the military hospitals and VA Medical Centers. The public response was overwhelming and gratifying to the Fisher House organization but it needs continual cash flow to survive. Thus, the 12-Hour Marathon Jam evolved with the extension of the Fisher House programs. I don't know the full history of how it happened, or who dreamed up the idea, (that would be a fascinating story) but bluegrass pickers and players got together and decided they would start playing music and wouldn't quit for a full, twelve hours. Bluegrass groups and communities across the United States jumped on board and the awareness program has continued for seven or eight years annually, usually in February. I like to call it an awareness program rather than a fundraiser. No marathon jam that I've ever been to has outwardly and aggressively brow-beaten the participants or the public for money. The money's nice - the awareness of the Fisher House and what it does for our nation's wounded and families of the wounded is more important - the money will come naturally and from the heart. No reason to brow-beat or make patriotic appeals.
Six years ago Neil Hamrick (Odenton, Maryland) and the WNGJ (Wednesday Night Garage Jammers) decided they would join in and stage a 12-Hour Marathon near Baltimore. There are two, big marathons near me: Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia. They are both hugely successful and stick to Fisher House's most important, defining ground rule: No expenses will be paid for by Fisher House. All expenses will be borne through donation and volunteerism. 100% of all funds donated will go directly to Fisher House and no other party or affiliation involved in the Marathon. Neil Hamrick is going to take umbrage with me for mentioning his name. He's that kind of guy. Suffice it to say there is a whole battalion of volunteers behind Neil that helps him stage this wonderful outreach. I know a lot of them. They've raised well over $100,000 since they've begun.
A Message From Neil Hamrick:
2015 Marathon Jam Session for Our Troops
The WNGJ (Wednesday Night Garage Jammers) will hold its Sixth Annual "Mostly Bluegrass" Marathon on Saturday, February 28th, 2015, from Noon until Midnight, at the American Legion Post 276, 8068 Quarterfield Road, in Severn, Maryland, 21144. This is a 12-hour marathon jam session to benefit Fisher House Foundation http:// www.fisherhouse.org.
This jam session will be held simultaneously with several other cities across the U.S. This is the Twelfth Year for the marathon jam and the 6th year for Baltimore. The Baltimore Marathon Jam has raised over $100,000 in its 5 years of existence for Fisher House. Other musicians especially active-duty military are welcomed to come and sit in with the jam as long as they like. (Acoustic instruments only, please). The public is also invited to come and enjoy the music. Free Admission! Come stay an hour . . or two . . or ten. You'll hear some great music and it will help us raise money for a great cause.
If you can't attend please consider donating on-line. Fisher House Foundation does an incredible job of helping military families in their greatest time of need.
Donation Link: http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/goto/2015BaltMarathonJam
Web Page: http://www.meetup.com/Marathon Jam/
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marathon.jam
For additional Information: E-Mail Neil Hamrick - mdjam4fisherhouse@comcast.net
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