VFW Ladies Aux Teddy Bears heading to Wounded Veterans

The James D Piper VFW Post 12118 Ladies Auxiliary has been hard at work creating Honor Bears to send to Operation Mend in Los Angeles, California.

Each Teddy Bear is lovingly crafted using uniforms that are specific to each branch of military service. Note the Marine Corps emblem on the arm of one teddy bear. This emblem is part of the digi cam uniform and painstakingly worked into the pattern of the bear.

The idea, hatched by VFW Ladies Aux member Eva Murphy, was well received by the group. Eva's heart and love is prevalent in every stitch.  “I know they are scared and alone, too proud to admit they are frightened,” Murphy said with tears in her eyes. “I can only hope the bears bring them peace, comfort, and that they know someone cares.”

11 Honor Bears are now on there way to Operation Mend.

UCLA Operation Mend is a groundbreaking program that provides returning military personnel with severe facial and other medical injuries access to the nation's top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families.

"It was established in 2007 through a partnership envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ron A. Katz and his (now deceased) wife Maddie.

In a partnership with Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, the V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and UCLA Health System, Operation Mend started with facial reconstruction. The program has since expanded in order to optimize healing-body, mind, and spirit. In addition to plastic and reconstructive surgery, mental-health support (for warriors and their families), orthopaedic reconstruction for severely damaged limbs, urologic treatment, otolaryngological care, the examination and treatment of reproductive issues, repair of airways, and design of new prosthetic ears are provided.

"It is a privilege for UCLA Medical Center to assist our country's men and women in the military," said Dr. David T. Feinberg, President of UCLA Health System and CEO of UCLA Hospital System. "We are honored to partner with Brooke Army Medical Center to help heal several of America's wounded warriors."
The program is currently funded through an existing grant from the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund (IADIF) via the California Community Foundation, along with important individual donor support."

For more information on Operation Mend please visit their website at  http://operationmend.ucla.edu/default.cfm.

Please take a moment to visit their site, see what they are doing for our men and women who have sacrificed more than you could believe possible, but through the help of Operation Mend are living positive and rewarding lives.