At Ease USA Luncheon

Again this year, we had the privilege of attending the At Ease USA luncheon to raise support for Nebraska military families experiencing the effects of trauma or emotional injury.   Scott Anderson, the founder of At Ease USA, reports that the primary goal of At Ease USA is to remove the obstacles which prevent military families from receiving quality treatment.  The guest speaker was retired Admiral James Ellis, who made many points of value, but one in particular we’d like to share with our readers.  Admiral Ellis reminded us that many people are again displaying a sign in their front window that will have a blue star signifying a family member in service, or a gold star for a family member who made the supreme sacrifice.   There is another star, a silver star, for our members of the military who’ve been wounded.  Admiral Ellis reported that during the Revolutionary War, 42 percent of our military members died of their wounds, and by World War II, 30 percent did not survive their wounds. During Vietnam and the Gulf War, 24 percent of our wounded warriors succumbed to their injuries.  Today, Admiral Ellis stated, the casualty rate is only 10 percent, however, our challenge is to help those living with extreme injuries to make life worth living again.  He quoted the memorable lines of Sir Winston Churchill:   “It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what is required.”  

The Kim Foundation appreciates the mission of At Ease USA and the dedicated leadership and provision of care through Lutheran Family Services in response to the needs of our military families adjusting to the physical and emotional challenges presented.   The difficulty of transitioning back to family and community as well as the effects of repeated deployments are taking a toll;  Admiral Ellis emphasized that, as a community, we can ease the effects of these emotional hardships for service members and their families.

Thank you to At Ease USA and to Lutheran Family Service; we are grateful for your efforts in showing us not only why, but how we “can do what is required.”  Our service men and women deserve no less.