Friday's Photo

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Kyle and Alex meet Victor Cruz.


Read yesterday's blog posting for the rest of the story.

Super Bowl - Facing The Giants

I am always amazed by the generosity of our supporters.  So many people have stepped forward to make a difference to Hope For The Warriors® and to the service members we assist.  The rest of my Super Bowl story surrounds someone who has been a longtime supporter.


As I stated in the last blog, Jim McMahon invited Kyle Moser and his family to join him in Indianapolis.  But really, a trip to this city would not be complete without going to the Big Game!  So, Hope For The Warriors® set out to make that possible.


Fortunately, two separate people stepped forward and donated two tickets each.  Two tickets in ADA seating for Kyle and his wife Alex and two separate tickets for Kyle's supportive father and stepfather.


And then there was Jim!

Jim Buckley was in the city, working with the Giants in the area of security.  I had met him earlier in the day and he hoped to meet Kyle.  Later, we were near his hotel so I sent him a quick text.  His response was to come by, he wanted to introduce Kyle to someone and give him a New York Giants cap.  Seemed like a short but fun stop to make.

Jim greets the Mosers.

We arrived at the hotel and things were crazy.  I should have realized that the Giants were all staying at this hotel and the lobby was filled with fans.  Soon after Jim found us, he and several security guards focused on introducing football players to Kyle.

Kyle and Alex meets many players.

One by one, coaches, managers, players and the owner himself came to Kyle, shook his hand and thanked him for his service.  Kyle was grinning ear to ear, and asking each player to sign his new ball cap.  In truth, many of the players seemed equally in awe of someone who gave so much for his country. 

With owner Mara and general manager Reese.

At some point, one of the players invited us to the private party.  And so that is how it came to be that Kyle, his beautiful wife, his father, stepfather and an overwhelmed PR Director from Hope For The Warriors® ended up surrounded by a group of very large football players.  WOW!

Kenny Phillips invites us to a private party.

Kyle also met Col. Gadson, USA (Ret.), double amputee and the Giants' honorary captain for the Super Bowl.  A great man and a true leader, Gadson and Kyle's conversation immediately dove into subjects that only they could completely understand.  It was my favorite moment of the evening. 

Our combat veterans meet.

Not to down play the Super Bowl itself but let's face it, most of you saw that amazing game.  Kyle and his family had a great Super Bowl experience. 

Each person holds their "Golden Ticket."

Alex and Kyle wait for the game to begin.

The Great Search is complete.
Kyle finds the jersey.

Maybe I should have just posted photos and titled this blog "Kyle's Smile Says it All."

Super Bowl--Jim McMahon and Friends

Lance Cpl. Kyle Moser, USMC spent his 20th Birthday in a place that most 20 year olds do not want to be--at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  The Marine lost both legs and part of his right hand two days before Thanksgiving in Afghanistan.  But Kyle's 20th Birthday proved to be exciting and motivating.

 
Hope For The Warriors ® threw the young Marine a birthday party in his hospital room.  This is part of our bedside care for wounded service members.  Robin Kelleher, our President, was in the room and knew what excitement awaited.

 
The week before, Robin had received a phone call from Jim McMahon--former Chicago Bears quarterback and longtime supporter of our military.  He was looking for a wounded service member to invite to his Swang N' Super Bowl Bash and other parties leading up to the Super Bowl.  Hope For The Warriors® had met Kyle and his family and knew that he was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears.  She also knew that the early February trip would be the perfect motivation for this young Marine who had been through so much.  The trip was not just a reward for his service and sacrifice, it would become a key component in his rehabilitation.


The invitation came through a Skype video session and Kyle was surprised and thrilled!  Jim's invitation came with the added instructions to "get better so you can come to Indianapolis."


This is exactly why Hope For The Warriors® created our Hope & Morale program.  The Hope & Morale program provides respite and recreational opportunities for wounded service members engaged in the long process of recovery. Such events raise spirits, restore hope and inspire a commitment to recovery—all-important factors in long-term rehabilitation success.

Swang N' Super Bowl Bash
Alex and Kyle flew to Indianapolis the Wednesday before the Super Bowl.  That evening, McMahon hosted a Celebrity Mixer with many of his personal friends and guests and the Mosers.  It was the perfect low-key evening for this couple to begin their week.


The main event was held on Thursday and Kyle and his wife Alex and father Bob had a great time.  They were once again the personal guests of Jim McMahon and his girlfriend Laurie.  The room was filled with sports and music stars--all who took the time to talk to Kyle and thank him for his service to our country.  For his first outing, Kyle could not have been in a more supportive atmosphere. 

Alex and Kyle Moser sit with McMahon for a news interview.

During the evening, the party was also joined by some other service members.  A direct feed connected party goers to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.  The wife of one of those soldiers spoke to her husband in a not-so-private but still emotional conversation.

Soldiers in Afghanistan joined the party.

On Saturday, the Moser family had the opportunity to once again sit with McMahon before he had to leave town.  They were all thankful for the time they had with their Chicago Bears hero.

A photo moment between two new friends.

Later that evening, we were the guest of one of McMahon's friends--Kyle Turley.  Turley is a former player for the Saints and now a musician.  His band was performing at a Country Western Bar and as you can see in the photo below, Kyle and Alex were ready to dress the part! 

The Mosers with Kyle Turley.

One final friend of McMahon's that I must highlight is Dick Lynch, president and founder of the organization, Impact a Hero.  Through this organization, Kyle and Alex flew home on Monday in a private plane, operated by Universal Weather & Aviation.  


Hope For The Warriors® thanks Jim McMahon and his staff, all of his friends, and all of the people at Impact a Hero and Universal Weather & Aviation.  His invitation and the trip was a huge morale booster for Kyle and his family.  He will not soon forget any of this!


Next blog posting....Kyle meets the Giants and goes to the Super Bowl!