bumblebee_smallmrt.jpg A Tribute to Mr.T, USMC Retired - a forgotten hero

CharlieRIP.jpg

                                               

simplebond.jpgjustmarinelogo.jpg

www.beforeyougo.us 

(  A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO OUR WORLD WAR II VETERANS to view perhaps before you begin to read this....)

This is the beginning of our adventures and friendship with a forgotten Marine veteran from World War II and the Korean War.

Perhaps it was just chance that we heard about this hero - or perhaps as most things in life- God brought him to our attention. Mr.T is just one of many and I am sure that if we take a closer look he represents many forgotten veterans in our communities across the USA. So if you want to join us in this tribute and mission of thanks to a retired Marine TSGT- Charles Francis Trapp- then please keep reading. He is just one- but that is how it begins- with just one.  

When we met him for the first time on New Year's eve, it was because of my close friend and my child's godmother Wanda Borganelli. She was the physical therapist who had broken through this man's armour and taken baby steps with him to get him to allow us to meet him.

His eyes were deep and kind, as he met us in baggy overalls and with an unsteady gait. I smiled and reached out for his hand.His hand was trembling but he did not let go. I knew at that very moment, that this was just the beginning of saying thanks to a forgotten hero.It did not matter that we stood as he has no furniture except a wheelchair. It did not matter that the tiny shack was empty and our voices almost echoed in the room as we talked due to the emptiness of it all. He noticed my cane immediately and offered me his wheelchair, his tomatoes, his bed and a ham he said he had in the fridge.

He even offered us his USMC leather flight jacket. I knew then that this USMC veteran was depressed- and without much hope of being around long.

He spoke to me of his sadness and pain of missing his estranged children though he showed me a lovely Christmas card from his son. He told us how proud he was of his son and his family even if he never saw them.

Then the tears came as he spoke of Barbara Jean- his daughter- whose photo hung in a  small frame on an almost empty wall. He had not seen her,he shared, since 1968.

We spoke about the wars and his planes he worked on and flew in including his favorite- the AD-4W Skyraider. 

alg_02_03-2_smallmrt.jpg  Mr.Tplane.jpg  mrtplane2.jpg 

Our six year old son reached out too without hesitating and gave him a hug- telling him his Daddy was a veteran like Mr.T and flew airplanes.As he hugged our son Ed, tightly, the tears began to roll down his cheeks and his trembling hand reached out for mine again.  

I went up closer and gave him a hug saying, " Thank you for letting us come and thank you today for your service to our country. It is an honor."

Below are the updates that I will post from visits to Mr.T and the emails I sent out from the beginning so you can feel like you've met him too...

We can do this together for when we forget these most valuable citizens of our great country- it affects our very own soul. And when we honor our veterans and troops, it nourishes the soul of these United States where there is no  greater freedom found because of all who serve and have been willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

2005HomefrontHugsLOGO.jpg

 Freedom Endures.

 

Subject: The day after his Christmas this disabled Marine vet sits alone needing help!
Date: 12/26/2005 7:27:54 A.M. Central Standard Time

From:

HomefrontHugsUSA

Please pass this on to all so we get a huge response even if only through prayer and cards...God bless the USA.
 
Needed: A Big Heart with about an hour of time- a volunteer who wishes to show our vets
they too are never forgotten...one by one...we will remember them.
 Mission: Please help a disabled old Marine aviator vet feel acknowledged again as he sits alone in his home- feeling forgotten and depressed. Let us help him with some basic needs and just cards and letters to tell him he is not forgotten and remind him we are still a grateful nation. He has no idea he has gotten our attention but this holiday we can all chip in and help him feel valued again for all his sacrifices.
 
Name of this Marine aviator veteran? Let's call him Mr.T to protect his privacy.
 
Home Location? Pensacola, Florida 
 
Background:
 
Mr.T came to my attention when his physical therapist - one of my close friends- and Ed's godmother, told me about a gruff patient of hers who underneath that tough exterior was in a lot of pain from being forgotten by family and the loneliness of living in a home with almost no extras besides a bed and chair and some old VHS tapes, cans of Dr.Pepper.....and many memories of times gone by serving our country. 
Mr.T lives alone and has no idea that he has touched our hearts this season.
He received a $20 check from his estranged son this Christmas without a card and a VCR from this physical therapist and her husband....but now it is up to us to help him too...if you would like to join us.
 
Where to send donations for Mr.T:
( I will personally guarantee they are delivered to him)
 
Mr T fund
c/o Kellermann- Homefront Hugs USA
1449 Tiger Lake Drive
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563
 
Needs we have assessed after visiting his home: (updated 2-2-06)
 
  • Gift cards to Walmart in any amount for much needed GROCERIES 
  • diabetic socks for shoe size 12 EEE- swollen painful feet - he needs  size XL and many pairs:

here's a link for the socks:Click here: Unisex Cotton Stretch Sock | From BigFeetStore.com

  • Any Marine memorabilia or decor
  • Any fresh fruit and soft diabetic treats from Harry and David if you wish to send food- excellent quality and want them to do the work while you just place the order
  • Thank you cards,prayers and letters to let him know we thank him for his service to our country- this is a wonderful project for kids too. 
                  I am sending this because this vet touched my heart and I have faith we can make a difference even if it is just by passing on this need  and allowing Americans the opportunity to help us here at Homefront Hugs to bring a smile back to this honorable Marine veteran.
 
Sincerely,

Alessandra Kellermann
 
Alessandra Kellermann
President
Homefront Hugs USA

 

2nd email:

Subject:   An update on an old grouchy but wonderful Marine who was forgotten
Date: 1/1/2006 5:02:28 P.M. Central Standard Time
From:

HomefrontHugsUSA

 
 
A little update  for everyone on Mr.T...our grouchy but soft eighty year old Marine who had been forgotten....
 
I finally met this incredible veteran of two wars- WWII and the Korean War.
He is eighty years old. I hope you can take a moment and read about our meeting as he truly touched my heart and has left a permanent impression in my mind.
 
Mr.Trapp opened the door to his two room shack of an apartment in one of the poorer Pensacola neighborhoods by our naval base. He looked a bit confused but allowed us in to visit including my six year old- Ed who had his arms full of treats some of you have sent for him to eat . 
I carried the box with sweatshirt and pants, alarm clock,pads of paper and munchies and some other items of love sent by some of our Homefront Hugs volunteers.
THANK YOU.
 
The first room was empty with a broken TV and one small working one and no furniture except his wheelchair. The second room had a hospital bed with mismatched old and frayed sheets and pillow cases and no warm blankets.
There was a small chest of drawer on which he had a photo of a congressman and his wife who must have sent him one for the holidays. In smaller frames he had photos of Marine Leaders he had worked for including General Hagee and told me they were his inspiration to this day.
 
The place? SPOTLESS. Just like a Marine.
There was one window in the front room but covered by some ugly stained curtains and the place felt hollow except for the warm tone of his voice and then the tears which came as he saw what we brought. 
I spoke in low slow tones so he could hear me as his hearing is not so great. I explained we were here to thank him and wish him a Happy New Year. I thanked him for our service and began to read out loud some of his medals and tributes which were listed on a torn sheet of military issued documentation:
 
TSGT Chas F Trapp earned the following after graduating from Floral Park High School in New York in 1942:
 
  • Combat Action Ribbon 
  • Presidential Unit Citation
  • World War II Victory Medal
among others....
 
TSGT ( now referred to as Gunnery Sgt by the Marines)Trapp spoke of the Battle of Midway....and riding in a C-47  and an AD (any guesses? as this was his favorite plane and I have sent notice to some of my USAF and Marine experts but if you know- tell me)
He spoke of the Korean War and how he was never so proud as the day he became a Marine.
 
And then he spoke of his estranged children and how he missed his beautiful daughter and son...the tears on this tough Marine began to fall slowly as I  reached for his hand. Who knows why the setrangement happens- we all know sometimes that there are very vaid reasons and it is not for us to judge.
His hand trembled  as I reached out but he did not pull away.
 
At the end of our visit I told Mr.Trapp that we had volunteers and grateful Americans who would love to keep in touch with his permission and he did not hesitate to share his address and phone number.
 
If you find the time to say thanks to a veteran- let Mr.Trapp be the one this time...for it is our turn now to help this hero and remind him he is NOT forgotten.
This tough Marine probably would have turned me away had I offered him help years ago but with his age and mobility issues and sadness in his soul- I believe he still has hope that life might still be worth living a few more years.
 
Reach out and say hello to this great Marine....you can tell him that "Sandy" sent you as that was easier for him than Alessandra or Ali...and that you know Homefront Hugs...
He may mention Wanda- my close friend and his physical therapist who was the first to break through his armor a month ago....
When he saw my Ed - Ed proudly told him that his Dad was a veteran too....and they exchanged a hug.
 
Mr.Trapp is a Green Bay Packers fan and the St.Louis Cardinals....he loves Dr.Pepper and could probably do well with some care packages like we send our deployed troops as he is alone and needing the comfort of Americans and those who have not forgotten his sacrifices.
The gift basket we brought him was from a Canadian family who too wanted to say thanks.
The thanks our veterans deserve has no border and we are one when we unite to remember them.
 
It is a national disgrace when there is a World War II veteran who sits alone forgotten . I cried as I left this man because I realized how lonely it must be to have no one who calls or writes and only memories of serving one's country and mattering then.
I know those of you reading this recognize this and want this to change as well. Who knows who may be in your own communities forgotten or alone?
 
Today we will make a small step with one veteran but this is how it begins.
If you wish to help, here are the current needs still for this World War II hero.  
 
Needs:
(you can send them directly to me if you wish for them to be delivered from Homefront Hugs and you....to make sure they are not left at doorstep due to theft)
( If you would like his direct address and phone number- please email us- at info@HomefrontHugs.com)
 
Our address is:
 
A.Kellermann
Homefront Hugs for Mr.T
1449 Tiger Lake Drive
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563 
***
Additional special cozy requests to make his place comfy and homey...and the list above is also valid:
 
Consider SGT.GRITS catalog at: http://usmcshop.grunt.com/Grunt/default.asp? or 1-866-776-2607
 
http://www.grunt.com/ 
 
We are not affiliated with them in any way but they have super products !!
 
Anyway- let's start with this veteran this year and make a difference together. Thanks to all of you who have already begun to think about doing this...and include the children- as he has grandchildren he never gets to see with the family estranged...
 
Thanks again and God bless our troops...our families ....and our veterans like Mr.Trapp,USMC Retired.
 
 In friendship and peace,

Alessandra

 
***
Thanks to Business Owners for joining in the support:
  • Special Thanks to Rooms N More for going out of their way to donate and fix a special daybed that they donated without hesitation to our veteran. The mattresses were donated by MIles Furniture.   
  • Special Thanks to Brett Barrow and the Symphony Orchestra of Pensacola and Jen Johnson of the Saenger Theater who are making tomorrow night - February 11th- extra special for our Mr.Trapp- his first night out in a long time. The Atlas Oyster Bar Restaurant is hosting him for dinner prior to the show ! We can't wait ! 
***
  • Big thank you to Lowes of Gulf Breeze who donated a microwave for this wonderful man and a huge thanks to LAZY Boy Showcase Furniture Store of Pensacola for agreeing on New Year's Day to donate a recliner for this WWII veteran !
  • Thanks to Bealls Dept Store in Gulf Breeze, Target ,Walgreens, Winn Dixie ,Sams, Publix ,Albertsons,Brunos for that favorite potato and macaroni salad he loves and Walmart for their willingness to help with needed items immediately as well ! 
  • A special thanks to Walmart of Gulf Breeze who donated and put a TV stand together and donated twice in groceries to this hero veteran of ours!
  •  Thank you to the Pensacola News Journal who generously is giving Mr.T a free daily subscription for the rest of his life....Mr.T is still so sharp probably because he reads the paper avidly front to back~!   
  • Thank you to the makers of the softest travel blankets (check them out) I have ever felt:Wolf Manufacturing Company out of Waco Texas who immediately sent 2 blankets out to our hero!**
  • Huge Thanks to the Saenger Theater and the Symphony for giving us tickets to the Big Band Show on February 11th in conjunction with Atlas Oyster House of Pensacola who is treating for dinner before the show !
* 
3rd update:
*****
January 2nd, 2006 -  Monday Visit with Mr.T and finally a slide show for all of you .....let us salute this hero theway he deserves, together. Help us and let other Americans know.
*********
Today we packed up some goodies,made a gift basket, packed dinner and groceries and some donated items like a new pillow and chair....and some fresh pillowcases...
We prepared a special photo of Mr.T's favorite plane and wrote a dedication to him, some new pictures for the wall for decor,some cups and plagtes...and drove to visit him for a few hours.
Ed brought his baseball cards and was so excited to surprise Mr.T with some new items and make his place a little bit cheerier.
I called and made an appt with Mr.T-
" Charles, can we visit you today- I miss you...", I said. He chuckled and said, "Why sure. You can bring Ed too. "
When we got there, he was waiting. Mr.Trapp opened the door and welcomed us with open arms...and the rest is here in the slideshow. NO words would do our visit justice except to say....he grows warmer in my heart each day.
When he saw the AD Skyraider which I found a jpeg of on the internet,,,he grinned and held it tightly to his chest...." I can fly again", he said, as the tears began to well up in this tough old Marine.

mrtslides.gif
**
4th Update- Another visit with Mr.T- January 5, 2006
***
Went by his tiny apt again last evening to bring him a beautiful new set of stoneware for his kitchen so he no longer has to use the chicken trays for plates. Thank you to Elyse - a Marine's daugther and her flock of birds! Thanks to Darlene too who sent slippers and goodies and flashlight and a soft light grey zipup hoodie....which he seemed to just savor getting into as we helped him put it on.
" I saved you a rose from my garden, " he said, " Almost as beautiful as you...". (Now I  realized why I adored this big teddy bear of a Marine.)
"I'm glad you brought my Eddie" , he said, " He's a looker like his mother."
Ed grinned and gave him a hug. We helped him with his laundry and checked out his bathroom- so tiny- one could barely turn around in it. He needs a bath chair and a shower head he can hold and maneuver, I will have to work on that as well as getting him some services and meals brought to the home.
" You remember I get burned up and then buried with my wife at the national cemetery at Barrancas," he added, " Don't forget. I got insurance- they pay all that."
"You're not going anywhere, Charlie, " I answered with a wink, " I am not going to all this trouble to have you leave me now. You take those vitamins I brought and get ready to be around here for at least another decade or two...".
He gave me a sheepish smile and winked at Ed.
" You get some sleep and rest now, " I said. " Ed has to go home and do his homework so he can come and visit you again another day."
" Good- make sure you bring that boy," Mr.T responded, " He's a good kid. His Dad and you must be proud of him . "
" We are," I answered , and put my arm around that six year old of mine who does sometimes surprise me with his comfort level and ease around Mr.T and his dreary apartment.
When children are at ease- just like dogs- they sense trust and goodness in others- and signal to adults that it is okay.
Mr. T had obviously stolen our hearts .
***
5th update - Sunday- January 8th, 2006-update.
****
Ed and I visited Mr.T  who now has Ed call him "Grandpa Charlie" each day this week and decided to give him a rest this weekend. The weather got unusually cold and we hurried to get comfy blankets for him which were generously donated by several stores. I finished his laundry and brought him my filing cabinet to lock his cherished items and paperwork in. I also brought him packages from you and thank you wishes....we promise to do our best together on thank you notes  but please note he cannot write well with his arthritic hands and he has a donated typewriter from his friend "Cindy" at the bank but we need to get it working.
Mr.T called me up to remind me to get hima  birthday card for Ed (our son) which is January 14th and added, "Now don't go telling me I can't give him a dollar or two. Marines don't like being told what to do."
I grudgingly agreed but trust me I will make sure if he gives Ed anything- it is spent right back for Mr.T apart from maybe one dollar !
Once his basic needs are in place we will sit down together and write thank you notes but you are always welcome to call him- and he'll answer if you let it ring a while. Just email me for his number.
On Thursday evening I called Mr,T to tell him I would be by on Friday as my legs were giving me some trouble....and he said- "You just rest those legs- and come tomorrow".
He then called me up and sang some old Dorsey and Glenn Miller songs for me.
The last person who ever sang to me was Ed's Dad and that was a long long time ago...and this Marine has a voice I know must have charmed many ladies years ago. It brought me to tears.
Little does Mr.T know that my favorite music is big band and that wonderful period of Glenn Miller and Dorsey and the way love affairs seemed to last a lifetime...
We put him on speaker and Ed and I listened as he sang to us for at least 20 minutes.
I think the fact that this grumpy and crusty old Marine is singing again says enough.
Here's what he sang to me :
***
Artist: Billy Williams Lyrics
Song: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter Lyrics
***
 
" I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And make believe it came from you

I'm gonna write words oh so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses on the bottom
I'll be glad I got 'em

I'm gonna smile and say
I hope you're feeling better
I'll close with love the way you do
I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And I'm gonna make believe it came from you

Oh yeah

I'm gonna write words oh so sweet
They're gonna knock me off my feet
A lotta kisses on the bottom
I'll be glad I got 'em

Oh yeah

I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter
And I'm make believe it came from you
Oh yeah
I'm gonna make believe it came from you

Oh yeah "

**

Now maybe it makes sense how he stole my heart...and let me tell
you this Marine can sing!  Ask him if you call...as he will be more
than happy to share his talent. What a gem of a Marine we found...
or maybe he found us?

thank.jpg

******************************************************************

(Just FYI: current needs are below )

TUESDAY- February 2nd 2006:  NEEDS UPDATE for Mr.T: 

1. Grocery Walmart Gift Card or one for Food Wolrd or Winn Dixie ...both are close to him .

2. If you prefer to send a care package- here are his dietary needs and easy for him to cook: 

Coffee, Coffee Filters, Packaged Prunes, Light Chef Boyardee or similar type microwave dinners

 (the small round plastic tubs), whole wheat crackers,dark chocolate, light fat free dark

chocolate or vanilla pudding cups, light fat free canned peaches and fruit cocktail ( light syrup),

Slim Jims, soft tissue with lotion,sports magazines, applesauce, no candy or

 anything hard or too sweet. He needs to watch his weight but still can enjoy life!

Diet Sugar....Splenda...also welcome. He also loves any diabetic treats and the tuna in packages.

3.  Diabetic Socks size XXL : He can use many pairs please as his feet are

so swollen)

             Click here: Unisex Cotton Stretch Sock | From BigFeetStore.com

4.   Special sturdy trays for food so it does not spill (click right here) or

get the latest ones from Walmart that are sectional....

5.  Anything with a sense of humor- from the 40's
(he is an avid reader and needs decor for the tiny shack he lives in)
6. Any Marine Memorabilia or Clothing  (2x as he loves things loose 
especially for spring and summer  ) 




********








****************************************************






Please email us for his address as we protect his privacy or better yet send the items to me for safe delivery...




Mr.T care package




c/o Alessandra Kellermann




Homefront Hugs USA


1449 Tiger Lake Drive




Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563




**














***God bless everyone who has worked with me to keep this sweet old tough








 Marine smiling again ! His place already looks a bit more hopeful and wonderful...








 I send all of you a hugs hug for caring...!  IMr.T has allowed me to advocate for him and








 with my expertise in social work and psychology, I will be doing just that with your support.  I used to be a therapist right here in Pensacola so I will be using my experience and knowledge of resources 








here to help our dear Marine. 








He loves the Big Band, Billy Williams And Jimmy Dorsey music from WWII and 








even the old songs from WWI....! 








*******








Alessandra Kellermann






President of Homefront Hugs
















****


























**********************************************************






















SPECIAL REQUEST ***
























Many many thanks for the care packages and clothes which


























 have been coming and shoes- he is overwhelmed and due


























 to his eyesight (can only read dark big print) - I read him 


























your cards and letters and emails you send for him to 


























read...God bless you all. And thanks for the walker- we raised enough funds this weekend thanks to a fast response!


 


.   




























Meals on Wheels Program is now finally in place !!


























Our veterans deserve better and we can begin with Mr.Trapp. Our 


























six year old son reminded me of that by saying " What if that happened 


























to Dad?" ( a USAF veteran of 20 years)  


He has hope now because he knows people care - because


























of all of you. 


























God bless Mr.Trapp and God bless all our veterans.


 



Sincerely in gratitude and faith and a great need for sleep:),

Alessandra Kellermann 
President
Homefront Hugs USA
























Update January 19, 2006-12th Visit 




I came with boxes and packages today from so many wonderful Americans- 


reading notes and cards and helping him put things in order as this is


overwhelming in a wonderful way for this Marine. Sadly I spoke with a family


member last night who made it clear- they will not be involved and to just


let them know if he passed. One cannot judge- and we do not know- but


there is obvious pain there and thus we move on. If there is to be love and 
























forgiveness here- it is in God's hands. 
























I will not share this with Charlie as I do not want to see him cry. We all have made 
























mistakes in our lives and as a therapist- there is always room for atonement for all of us.
























   


We put the CD's on after I showed him how to use the CD player..having


waited for a week until he asked me to show him. We take baby steps.


The place  smells and looks better since I cleaned a bit and did laundry.


His demeanor is more positive and Charlie tells me of  how the music Nancy and 


Pam sent brings back so many wonderful memories. Tears well up in his eyes as he speaks of


a time gone by and he softly sings to some of the Jimmy Dorsey songs...


We unpack wonderful towels and blankets...we sure have a lot of thank you notes to write soon.


Packages packed with such love from all over the USA. I could hug you all !


He asks me to help him put on his new USMC hooded sweatshirt and strokes the new shoes he got.


Once his wound heals and the swelling goes down, he can wear the shoes and new slippers. 


We still are waiting for him to get off the waitlist and receive services. Nothing has happened yet.


I take him to the doctor Monday and hopefully there will be good news. He is eating better


thanks to all of you . I slice the strawberries up for him because it is too hard for him.
























We throw away the old soiled socks and washcloths that are beyond belief in dirt and wear. 
























It feels so good to replace them with new ones and I see a faint smile as we do.
























I can tell it feels right to him too to live in a more hygienic and suitable place 
























as a Marine. It is hard not to cry as I lean down to put on his new wonderfully big socks and 
























see how much more comfortably they fit. It is time to go. My son is coming home in an hour.


As I hug him and start to leave, he says,




 " You think you can show me how to work that microthing you got me so I can heat up my food, doll? Not now- next time you come?"


I smile to myself- wondering what took so long for him to ask but realize maybe this tough Marine


does not like cold food after all...


Baby steps...I tell him yes as I try to get rid of the lump in my throat. That Big Band music always


does that to me or maybe it is my soft spot for Marines especially our veterans.  


I promise to keep you updated...and I promise to myself to not let go of this proud Marine who is 


making room for us to thank him finally and honor his service.
























***




Faithfully yours,




Alessandra 
























***




  ( I took some pictures so the new slideshow is below...under the Thank You list)






 






















































January 19th - morning call from Charlie




















































Charles called me today and asked that I put a message to


























 his son on "that paper of yours on the computer about me"


























....(meaning this webpage). He told me if his son Charlie 


























ever saw this he wanted him to get this message and in 


























respect to him I will post this even if we never hear


























 from his son :


























  

" I'm proud of him for doing the job he is doing at 




























Boeing Aircraft Corporation. I think I got him started 




























when I got him that General Dynamics plastic helmet 




























and he seen that hat- he fell in love with aviation. I am 




























proud of him for being such a good husband and I love




























 him. I hope my son sees this and sees it is from his




























 79 year old Humbug. "

***




























*  No matter what we do- I realize there will never be peace in his heart




























 until he makes peace with his son. But if this never happens here on




























 Earth....we can still be there for him so he is not alone until his time




























 comes to go with God. 




















































****














































































January 19th- Morning Call with Military Chaplain Father Garvey














































































Had a wonderful conversation with Father Garvey who said God must


























be talking to both of us as he would make Mr.Trapp his priority


























and go to see him as soon as he could.  He agreed spiritual


























supports are needed too right now for our friend Charlie.


























I called Charlie to let him know Father Garvey would be visiting


























and he seemed pleased.


























Father Garvey is first going to be helping


























with the services of our lost aviators this week from NAS Pensacola


























whose plane crashed in Georgia leaving much sorrow.


























We ask for your prayers for the four military families during this very difficult


























time.


























*********  




















































January 26th- Thursday Update:




























*********  




























GOOD GOOD NEWS!




























Meals on Wheels is finally on board with one meal a day being brought to the home




























Father Gravey came to visit our dear hero and made him feel better and acknowledged




























Cable TV is now going to be set up as of tomorrow thanks to your donations and help him




























not feel so alone....and allow him to watch the SUPER BOWL !




























Nursing care is in there now per doctors orders daily due to serious wound infection...and




























specialists are on board now which means more appts to drive him to!




























VA Social Worker has set up several appts for Mr,Trapp at the VA so they are back on board again as well !




























Prescription coverage due to the new law Medicare Part D is now almost zero copay for




























our hero which helps a great deal as he has so many medications he needs.




























He has plenty of towels and sheets now,toiletries, and shoes and slippers which will fit him as soon as his swelling is better in his feet.




























Senator Nelson's office has been working behind the scenes to help acquire necessary services for him.




























The Navy Commander Frano on the base  at NAS- Pensacola has been contacted to hopefully recruit dome wiling troops to spend some time with Mr.Trapp each month and take him to his favorite place- the aviation museum and Barrancas cemetery where his wife is buried.




























I purchased a replacement American Flag as well thanks to your donations which I will bring him today since his other one was stolen while in hospital.




























Please note friends- he is on a restricted low calorie diabetic diet and no salt  or low low salt permitted.




























Please choose wisely when sending foods  and check this for him.




























You have all been simply marvelous and once again- we thank you !   




























Here are some photos of our World War II veteran and friend this week...


























readinletter.jpgdctorvisitmrt2.jpg


























































Thursday February 2nd UPDATE:




















































WOW....so happy to be announcing that his infection and swelling are


























 improving in his feet and that he adores the new walker...that all of you 


























have given him within 3 days of sending an email out ! The power of the 


























internet and our faith in God has truly led us to helping this dear grouchy


























 Marine...not one step could have been taken without all of you.




















































Charlie called on his new phone today as he sat outside in his new chair 


























by his newly hung American flag and thanked me and all of you again


























 for being his "guardian angels."


























Today we have appointments at the VA all day and then Charlie gets a 


























break (so I do too) until next week. Shopping and laundry are done for 


























the week and we have appealed to the base and churches nearby to join 


























us in helping him manage his daily living skills during the month.


























Until then it's me and a few friends who introduced me to him like Wanda


























 Borganelli. Wanda is in the photos below and is also godmother to our 


























son Ed- she laughed as she saw what a challenge this has been for us  


























but said she is simply amazed at the good and kindness that has come 


























from all of you across the USA and Canada .
























Charlie may end up losing part of his toe due to his infection 


but thank goodness we are in the picture now to make sure he 


is not forgotten again and without apprpriate supports. Still praying 


that we hear from his son whom he misses and speaks of daily. 




The Saenger Theater and Atlas Oyster House are treating him on 


February 11th to a dinner and Glenn Miller concert and I will be 


his date along with our son Ed. Charlie has Ed call him "Gramps"  


and tests him on his state captiols and baseball knowledge when


 Ed visits with me.


Basic needs now are truly just emotional support and calls and cards- 


and anything with Marine logos on it. A wonderful volunteer sent him 


a huge Marine Magnet for the fridge and a Marine memorabilia frame


 which we promptly hung up.


His pride in being a Marine is always present and he even was impressed 


to see the letter of encouragement from President Bush.


Something tells me though that is he ever heard from the Joint Chiefs 


( also USMC) - he would be truly thrilled.




Charlie is smiling more and crying less. There even is a twinkle in his eye 


but we are still monitoring his underlying depression . His neighbor and 


friend passed away suddenly this week and Charlie is more in touch with 


the brevity of life and his time here on Earth,


His cable TV where he is able to watch AMC and Turner Movies and his 


ESPN golf and football help to take his mind off the death of his neighbor.




Next goal? Allow Charlie more independence as he qualifies for Community


 Transportation and learns to manage a strict diet and strict fluid restrictions 


due to his congestive heart failure. Hard to tell a Marine to live so strictly in 


his last years but I think Charlie is realizing he is stuck with me and Ed as friends


 and we are not going to abandon him.


He calls me "Red" and still sings his Big Band songs to me when he knows he


 needs to make me smile after chewing me out ....but he reminds me he still 


loves me he just is a grouchy Marine and its just "Marine talk."