Temperatures reaching 105 degrees still did not stop a dedicated community from celebrating spirit of America, pride of Muskego and a special disabled veteran’s birthday at Jammin’ on Janesville. Winlom"Noah" Woods, a patient at Acres of Hope and Aspirations and true hero from the Iraq War celebrated his 38th birthday on July 6, 2012 at Muskego’s fun festival. His ability to participate and celebrate his birthday six years later with the Muskego community is truly a blessing considering he has lived through 11 surgeries since being the shot in the head in the Iraq War on July 15, 2006. Woods suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and lives with the bullet in his brain and cadaver bone in his skull.  Every day he is alive is a gift since he remains at high risk for medical complications secondary to the bullet damage.

But courage, honor and true America spirit could not keep this wounded warrior away from a Muskego celebration.  Rehab staff, volunteers and Creatures of Rehab from Acres of Hope and Aspirations dressed in red, white and blue to make this soldier proud of being an American. Animal Doctor was a great host for Acres of Hope and Aspirations at Jammin’ on Janesville and Dr. Jodie and her friendly staff kept encouraging anyone attending to wish Woods a birthday wish.  Handshakes, hugs, supportive smiles and words of gratitude and celebration were brought on by so many who stopped to wish Woods birthday wishes and encouraging words of hope and healing. Animal Doctor provided a big decorated cookie to Woods in celebration of his birthday.       

For a man who almost gave his life for this country, it was inspiring to see so many people extend gratitude, words of encouragement and hugs to support this disabled veteran.  Woods was given $5.00 gift from a nurse he never met to buy himself something but instead he chose a selfless act to put it in the donation jar to help feed the Creatures of Rehab at Acres of Hope and Aspirations.  A true soldier that almost has nothing because of his own sacrifices for this country chose to give again to make a difference for others.  Muskego community should be “Proud as Peacocks” that they could participate in a birthday celebration for a man who is living on borrowed time and has no guarantee with a bullet embedded still in his brain and ongoing medical complications if he will have another birthday.   

Strength to Live Winlom. We are "Proud as Peacocks" of your accomplishments and abilities and salute you for your service to this country and encourage you to keep trying no matter how hard the struggle.

Acres of Hope and Aspirations wants to thank the Muskego community of all ages who stopped by and wished this disabled veteran a "Happy Birthday" and thanked him for his service. Acres of Hope and Aspirations is "Proud as Peacocks" to be part of the wonderful community of Muskego. Even some local youth were inspired to give this man a birthday to remember including volunteers from Bay Lane Middle School and Muskego High School and Boy Scouts from Troop 141 of Muskego who helped in the extreme heat at Jammin’ on Janesville. Acres of Hope and Aspirations is always looking for volunteers and donations, especially to feed and take care of all the animals. Please contact us through our website at: www.acresofhopeandaspirations.org or email at: acreshope@yahoo.com.