Air Force District of Washington [National Capital Region] –
Passing from one section of the cruise ship to the next, it was like walking through generations of military wisdom... this special gathering of military members set sail down the Potomac River Nov. 22 on Washington D.C.'s 'Odyssey' for a Thanksgiving celebration, bringing together veterans, Wounded Warriors, and single Soldiers.
The Patriot Day Thanksgiving cruise, hosted by Odyssey cruise line, is provided annually and coordinated by Naval District of Washington and Air Force District of Washington volunteer coordinators. The special day includes a scenic afternoon cruise, banquet rooms with traditional Thanksgiving catered food, music and dancing, and mingling of past and present veterans from different backgrounds and circumstances.
It wasn't until after the servicemembers enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast and put on their dancing shoes that they began to blend - one group of people with their service to country in common, coming together to enjoy and give thanks for life's blessings.
I walked by a table and a steady retired Army 1st sergeant pulled my attention. During our conversation, his perspective on the lasting psychological effects of the stresses of duty and war resonated.
"It gets better day by day," said the veteran in reference to, what seemed for him, a humbling experience in coming to use veterans' assistance services.
This conversation enlightened me - not only are Wounded Warriors physically wounded from the ever-so-real effects of war, but many of these veterans, along with many other servicemembers fighting today, can be just as traumatically wounded in witnessing those wounds and battles.
"There is one thing you have to take home from it all," he said with a voice of experience, "above all, take care of yourself."
Not only do we have to train to be physically ready for battle, but we need to be mentally prepared as well.
The single Soldiers aboard brought hope and joy for everyone as well, encouraging the veteran's and assisting the Wounded Warriors.
It was as if I could feel the Wounded Warriors fighting harder to win the battle of healing - wanting to be better, faster, quicker, in order to "get back to the action" as they got out on the dance floor with the young Soldiers after the feast.
For the veterans, the Soldiers were reminders of what it was to be young again.
"I think that it was great being able to be with both the older veterans and the younger ones," said Army Master Sgt. Flora McKnight, volunteer from Joint Forces Head Quarters, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. "I will be back again next year."
In many ways, the uniting of the three groups proved to be therapeutic for servicemembers from all perspectives. Injuries may be obvious or unseen, they may be on the surface or invisible; but pride in service runs deep.
I walked away enlightened with a clearer picture of the true sacrifices my brothers and sisters in uniform have made, and continue to make, daily.