FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --- What began as a dream turned into reality Dec. 1 as the keys were presented to Judith Markelz, program manager for the new 12,000 square foot Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston.
For five years the WFSC was located in a 1,200 square foot room in the Powless Guest House. With one desk shared by employees in a very crowded room filled with wounded warriors and Family members, Markelz dreamt of a permanent stand-alone building.
Two years ago Les Huffman of Huffman Developments spoke with Markelz and asked her "What do you need here'"
Markelz, a woman who speaks her mind, without timidity, had a big dream and Huffman and his brother Steve, president of Huffman Developments agreed it had to become a reality.
During the afternoon hours of Dec. 1 despite crisp temperatures and high winds, and 15 months following the groundbreaking, the crowd of more than 500 witnessed history as the new WFSC opened its doors. With inspiring words from high profile speakers and guests, the keys to the building were turned over to the Army with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Mistress of Ceremony Eliza Sonneland, board member of Returning Heroes Home introduced Max Lucado, senior minister of Oak Hills Church and noted author who provided the invocation. The National Anthem was performed by the U.S. Army Medical Command Band and Maj. Gen Russell Czerw, commander, Fort Sam Houston and Army Medical Department Center and School, welcomed everyone.
"Five years ago a conference room was converted to a place of respite for our wounded warriors and their Families. Today we thank you for the support of our San Antonio community, for making this building a reality and a place we can honor and serve our wounded warriors," said Czerw.
Following were brief words from Huffman and Judy Soper, mother of Spc. Joseph Paulk, who have been at BAMC for 15 months, both praising the work and encouragement Soldiers received at the WFSC.
Huffman's words praised the hard work that went into the WFSC and the mentorship his brother provided. He said, "What began in a Sunday school class as a discussion of how one person can make a difference, later translated into this marvelous building."
Markelz once again was introduced and gave remarks following a standing ovation. Her words of thanks were spoken with quips and lightness, covering the quiver in her voice.
"I want to thank the wounded warriors for the sacrifices they have made for us and our nation. I promise you we will fill this building with laughter, joy, excitement and caring as a tribute to our Wounded Warriors," said Markelz.
Finally the keynote speaker, a man who knows only too well what it takes to recover from wounds received in the war zone of Iraq took the podium.
Bob Woodruff, television journalist, became the first American news anchor to be wounded in Iraq when he was nearly killed by a roadside bomb in January 2006.
In February 2007, Woodruff and his wife published an account of their lives after his injury. The book delves in to the explosion in Iraq that affected his family and focuses on his lengthy, ongoing recovery. A percentage of book's proceeds are donated to the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.
Woodruff said, "This center represents the long-term community support the wounded need. That's why a permanent building like this is so needed."
Following the ceremony guests were invited to enjoy the refreshments and walk among the beautifully landscaped serenity gardens before taking a tour of the new facility.
Upon entering the great room of the new facility, it is apparent the center will be more than just a place to watch TV. The room exudes warmth, friendliness and comfort. The WFSC has always provided that environment for Warriors and their Families but now the new "home" has much more adequate space and capabilities to carry out that mission.
The $4.5 million privately funded building offers big screen TVs in virtually every imaginable spot, to include the back patio over the two way fireplace, plus a library of DVDs. A computer lab has over 20 computers to check e-mail or use the internet. The theater and game room has an assortment of XBOX games and many craft activities. Home baked refreshments are plentiful in the dream kitchen, where the coffee pot is always on. The great room offers several seating areas with leather sofas to sink into and just relax or read some of the many books and magazines.
The large open front and back porch areas are equipped for cookouts and the butterfly garden provides tranquil personal space on its pathways or by the peaceful flowing waterfall and pond.
The dream of the new WFSC facility became a reality with more than 5,500 financial contributors, 75 companies that provided discounted goods or services in the construction and furnishing of the building, the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have served on behalf of the wounded warriors and their Families and the military staff who recognized the need and supported the mission to completion.
(Cheryl Harrison works in the Army Community Service Marketing)
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