One thing I love about being a military spouse is the opportunity to PCS/travel and meet so many different people. Every now and then I have the honor and privilege of meeting someone who is absolutely amazing.I've met politicians, professional athletes, and celebrities.But you're about to meet someone who is truly an inspiration, and heads above any "famous" person I've ever met.
Today at The White House, President Obama awarded the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medalto MaryAnn Phillips.The award is the second highest award a civilian can receive! And if you think this post has nothing to do with milspouses, you couldn't be more wrong. Chances are good that if your spouse has been wounded and routed through Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany, MaryAnn has taken care of him for you. And if, God forbid, your spouse is ever wounded and routed through Landstuhl, you can bet that MaryAnn will be your best line of communication. She will be there for your family when you really, really need someone.
MaryAnn is a Soldiers Angel in Germany. I met MaryAnn a number of years ago at a Soldiers' Angels event and I am honored to call her my friend. MaryAnn has spent countless hours at Landstuhl in Germany at the bedside of our wounded warriors. She provides a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and the silent watch as our wounded warriors sleep. She communicates with the families of the wounded to provide comfort and support when the families can not be there with their service member.
I can tell you from first hand experience how comforting it is to know that someone is there with your service member after being wounded.
And MaryAnn doesn't stop her comfort and support when the wounded warrior leaves Germany. She continues to communicate with the service member and families throughout their recovery and beyond. MaryAnn has contacted me several times to expand the comfort and support of the wounded and their families. Since I am the spouse of a wounded warrior, she asks me to help the families from a "been there, done that" perspective - and I am more than happy to help them in any way I can.
Not only does MaryAnn spend countless hours with our wounded warriors, she also has a full time job 5 hours away from the hospital and she travels to her home state of Wyoming to care for her aging parents.
MaryAnn is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and she truly deserves the Presidential Citizen Medal. She is a true gift to Soldiers Angels, our service members and their families.
Thank you, MaryAnn, for opening your heart and your life to so many. Congratulations!
