Operation Warrior Relief

It was in October of 2003 that Air Force Reserve Chaplain Lt. Colonel Wendel Barnett addressed the Montgomery County Detachment of the Marine Corps League (to later be renamed the “MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment”) about his recent visit to Ramstein Air Force base and Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany. The pictures he provided were stirring testimony to the descriptions he spoke of about our wounded from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Because of the efficiency of the medevac system, far more casualties were making it to life-saving measures out of theater than anticipated. The gym at Ramstein was converted to a huge ward with cots for the less serious and/or those in transit.

Upon learning of these wounded warriors, the Detachment initiated Operation Warrior Relief (OWR) and stood up a committee to specifically address their needs while at Ramstein and Landstuhl in Germany. Through publicity and personal contacts, the Detachment collected donations of clothing, personal hygiene items, and cash. These were shipped to the Marine liaison at Landstuhl for distribution.

Since 2003 the MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment has provided backpacks, shirts, “T” shirts, and breakaway pants for wounded troops at Ramstein and Landstuhl.  This has been accomplished through donations of money and clothing. Most of which has been raised through fundraisers, such as the “America First” Car Show, of which all proceeds benefit Operation Warrior Relief; also, with the help of Sgt Grit and the Tonix Corporation.  Sgt Grit has always supported our efforts and has always generously donated much needed “T” shirts.  The Tonix Corporation has always supplied the much needed breakaway pants.  The Detachment’s continuing efforts are to ensure that wounded soldiers have clothing and the basics when they reach the hospital.

Though the Marine Liaison changed frequently, the Detachment was able to update needs assessments and respond to those needs by shifting our emphasis. Early on and periodically throughout the program to date, the two items that have continued to be called for are break-away pants that make it easier for bedridden patients, and backpacks to hold personal items and paperwork whether on a bed post, wheelchair, or crutches. The breakaway sweats have been frequent and generous donations from Mike Chen, president and owner of TONIX athletic wear. Black backpacks with Detachment emblem and contact information have been purchased and sent by the hundreds numerous times.

One of these backpacks, brought back home to Delaware by 1st Lt. John Zaal, resulted in a visit from the lieutenant and his family during which he briefed members of at least three area detachments and other veterans groups on the situation at Landstuhl. That same evening, both Mike Chen (in absentia - he resides in California) and Ann Wyker (in person) were awarded honorary Detachment memberships and recognition for their support of OWR. Ann has been an advocate for the program almost from its inception, and offers a check every year from the residents of Gloria Dei Estates.

Through the generous support of these and many others, OWR has been able to provide everything from warm outerwear and underwear to phone and BX cards as the needs present themselves. At one point, a special donation went to the Department of Maryland's Marines Helping Marines program, which addresses the needs of Marines and Corpsmen, and their families, while the troops are in recovery at Bethesda Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Hospital. While the Montgomery County Detachment, renamed the MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment was, and is, the first such contact from home for many of our wounded, the Marine Corps League maintains that contact through the Marines Helping Marines program and others even while Marines and Corpsmen are in local rehab in their home towns.

Operation warrior Relief, begun in 2003, continues today.  Is its life based on how long we will have sons and daughters wounded in combat? Will its life depend on our will to sustain the effort to educate?  Will the life of the program depend on the donations from those who hear of needs and care enough to contribute? Whichever question you choose to answer, the quality of their life may depend on it. There is no doubt of the answer to one question - our service men and women are doing their duty; some are paying an extremely high price for their dedication, and their lives are a little bit better from every small thought and contribution we make to OWR and similar programs. 

In the spirit of those who have contributed before them, Abington Bank made a significant donation on behalf of its customers for a Christmas time donation to OWR.   We, the MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment of the Marine Corps League wish to acknowledge their efforts, and express our sincere thanks to Abington Bank for their leadership in the raising of these funds.

Elizabeth S. McCleaster

Public Relations