Operation PAL Marine Reenlists
Added April 29, 2010
Cpl Matthew lost both his legs and his eyesight from an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq. Matthew was added to the Operation PAL program in February, 2007.
In April, 2010, he became the first blind, double amputee to reenlist in the Corps.
Click here to watch the Marines TV video today!
Participant Spotlight: Corporal Joshua 1/24 Alpha Co
Added April 29, 2010
Corporal Joshua was wounded in January of 2007. He took a gunshot wound to the neck and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He can barely see and hardly speak. He constantly suffers from infection of some sort or another and there are scary times when his life is in jeopardy.
He was engaged when we first talked to his family, but the engagement has since broken off. The two of them are still friends and she visits quite often. This is a difficult circumstance for any young couple and they are doing the best they can given the situation.
Click here to read more of Cpl Joshua’s story…
Give One Minute a Day for Wounded Warriors
Added April 1, 2010
Attention Marine families and supporters! WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The Marine Parents outreach program, Purple Heart Family Support, is in the running for a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Project grant and we need your vote to win the competition!
With the Pepsi Grant, we will be able to turn our 200 meals a year served in 2 hospitals into 20,000 meals served a year in 4 hospitals. There are many great ideas out there, but who could be a more worthy recipient than our Wounded Warriors and their families?
Take one minute a day to vote for our Wounded Warriors!
Click here to watch the You Tube video and learn how to vote!
Volunteer Spotlight: Lori
Added March 10, 2010
Lori is a wonderful angel who visits our wounded and ill Marines, giving comfort and support as she goes. She volunteers not only with Operation PAL, but also helps Purple Heart Family Support provide weekly meals to Wounded Warriors. She is also an ‘official hugger’ for sendoffs and homecomings. The strong spirit of giving in Lori’s family dates back to her great grandma, who used to give fresh bread and other baked goods to families who had been deeply affected by the Depression.
Click here to learn more...
Participant Spotlight: LCpl John 2/7 Weapons
Added February 26, 2010
Three years hold many ups and downs for families of the wounded.
In March of 2007, Marine Parents’ member Chris posted that her son had been injured in Iraq. He was shot in the lower leg and when he went down, he was shot again. That bullet travelled up through his leg. His fellow Marines determined where the gunfire originated and took out their target. That action, and quick medical aid, is what saved John (J.T.)’s life the first time.
Click here to learn more...
Participant Spotlight: HM2 Anthony 2/7 Fox Co
Added January 15, 2010
From time to time we spotlight one of our Operation PAL participants and today it's all about HM2 Anthony*. Anthony is in the Navy and the "HM" in "HM2" means 'hospital man.' His Naval rank is "Petty Officer 2nd Class." You can learn more about Navy Corpsmen and HM2 Anthony's story at the link below.
Click here to learn more...
Operation PAL Marine at the White House
Added November 19, 2009
Operation PAL Marine, Gunnery Sergeant Marcus, and a group of Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center show President Obama a thing or two about wheelchair basketball. You don’t want to miss this incredible video footage. The smile offered by Gunnery Sergeant Marcus is contagious and the entire video is sure to touch your heart. Operation PAL Manager Barbara Gemmell writes, “I'm just so excited for Marcus; I wanted to share this video asap.”
Click here to watch video...
Outdated Programs and Alerts
Added November 19, 2009
We are working to clarify and alert folks to holiday emails. Please take action if you receive:
"A Recovering American Soldier"
Click here to learn more...
Operation PAL Marines at Marine Corps Marathon and 10K
Added October 28, 2009
A few of our current and former Operation PAL Marines participated in the annual Marine Corps Marathon and 10K in Washington D.C. on October 25th. The Marathon gives our wounded and ill an attainable goal and Marines produce a very competitive bunch. They work hard in their physical therapy and push each other to succeed because they want to do well in the race.
Click here to learn more...
Operation PAL News is Here!
Added October 13, 2009
Watch for the first edition of Operation PAL News to release on Thursday, October 15, 2009. With this publication we bring you letters from the Operation PAL Manager, updates on the Marines and Corpsmen participating in the program and much more. Sign up today!
Click here to learn how…
Gratitude from a Wounded Marine
Added September 8, 2009
His left hand still works so that’s what Sergeant Eddie uses to express thanks for kind words of encouragement sent via Operation PAL.
You can read so much about his character through the hand-written note: His determination to use what abilities he has to communicate what he needs to say, for example. Or his compassion for others in that he wants to make sure you know your prayers and cards are appreciated.
Click here to learn more about Sgt Eddie and read his hand-written note.
Operation PAL Marine Receives Hero's Welcome Home
Added July 16, 2009
"In a place where crowds are a given and homecomings happen every day, a couple of hundred people, most perfect strangers, gathered to surprise one man in a way that doesn't happen every day." - That is how KUSA*TV out of Denver, Colorado opened their recent coverage of Operation PAL Marine Lance Corporal John Thomas Doody and the "Welcome Home" he received at the Denver International Airport.
Click here for touching story and video...
VAC Provides Free Air Transportation
Added June 22, 2009
“Imagine returning home from combat facing devastating injuries and long term hospitalization – in a facility hundreds of miles away from your family. Imagine somebody brings you together.”
The Veterans Airlift Command provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
For more information,
Click here to visit the VAC web site
Fund Raising for Operation Prayers and Letters
Added June 17, 2009
Team Marine Parents participants are actively preparing for their events and raising donations toward their chosen outreach program and goal. Make your next donation to Operation PAL in support of a Team Marine Parents participant’s goal and watch their progress as the goal meter updates!
To view participant bio pages and learn how to donate toward a participant’s goal,
Click here...
