ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
September is not only a special month because it marks the anniversary of the Air Force, but it also marks the second anniversary of the Maryland Room at Malcolm Grow Medical Center.
Local civic leaders were aware that Andrews Air Force Base was the first destination for all wounded servicemembers returning from overseas. After a group of concerned civic leaders toured the hospital here two years ago, they decided to donate time and services to build a facility where wounded warriors could readjust and begin the healing process. With that thought, the Maryland Room was born.
"Our board of directors was honored to create the Maryland Room." said M.H. Estepp, Greater Prince George's County Business Roundtable President. "We have a great deal of admiration and respect for the men and women who bravely serve our country and nothing can compare to the looks on their faces when they see a little bit of home in this special place."
The Maryland Room is nestled in the rear of the Aeromedical Staging Facility at MGMC. The room offers comfortable chairs, a big screen TV, video gaming systems and six free phone stations where patients can call their loved ones. There are also books, magazines, countless DVDs, and video games for the patients and their families to enjoy while at Malcolm Grow.
The Maryland Room is maintained by American Red Cross volunteers and the ASF housekeeping staff. They serve nearly 350 patients per month. For some of these dedicated professionals, working in the ASF can be difficult to bear because of some of the patients' conditions. However, the Maryland Room offers a space where young visitors can begin their road to recovery.
Other worldwide organizations have donated snacks and toiletries as well as special breakaway-clothing which has Velcro at the seams to accommodate patient casts and bandages, and every patient is given a hand-made quilt from a volunteer.
"No expense or effort would have been too great to know we touched the lives of these exceptional individuals. If given the opportunity, we would proudly do it all again," said Mr. Estepp.