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Health & Fitness

Acres of Hope and Aspirations Honored Muskego's VFW Veterans in the Gardens of Hope

I sometimes wonder where life would be if it would not be for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to give us our freedom, our futures, and our ability to make choices. Acres of Hope and Aspirations was “Proud as Peacocks” to honor and host the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 8171 in the Gardens of Hope with the Creatures of Rehab. 

The Gardens of Hope are now filled with many footprints of true American heroes who served our country and walked around the grounds at Acres of Hope and Aspirations. What a privilege to honor WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq War Veterans who were in attendance!! The oldest attendee was a Muskego resident 92 year old WWII VFW Veteran who was injured during duty and who lost over 90% of his fellow troops in Japan during WWII. He has lived with shrapnel in his body. His body may have felt his age as he walked with his wheeled walker and stand-by assistance of his nurse’s aide but his spirit stood strong for his valor and honor as an American soldier. 

Winlom's goal was to sing the National Anthem for his fellow service men and women which he did proudly, considering 7 years ago when he was shot in the head in the Iraq War that he was not expected to live, let alone walk or talk again. His words were articulate even if the sound was soft because of his right-sided facial paralysis. He used the cue card provided to sing each and every word. He accomplished a major thing…he sang the National Anthem alone without accompanying music, band or backup singers.  What a “Proud as Peacocks” accomplishment…If his buddies from Iraq War could see him now, they would be so proud of him. The showering of compassion, admiration and joy was abundant and shared proudly amongst the crowd. Tears of joy were shed as each veteran and their families stood as he sang each and every word. Not a dry eye was on the grounds from generations of veterans much older than Winlom but all could appreciate his sacrifice to this country. The Creatures of Rehab lay all around the grounds so quietly and so respectful that not a sound was heard of any crowing, clucking, barking or neighing during this remarkable moment.

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As his registered nurse, I was “Proud as Peacocks”.  A man who lay lifeless on life support flown over from Iraq War seven years ago was not expected to make the trip alive. He has been nursed through 11 surgeries and 8 infections and faces medical risks and needs medical care every day. He walked proudly with the American flag and stood before the VFW Veterans and with so much life in his voice as he proudly sang the National Anthem. A moment in history in itself registered in the hearts of VFW Veterans and their families but a lasting footprint left on the heart of a rehab nurse who will always cherish the moment of the patriotic joy that everyone felt and embraced on July 7 at Acres of Hope and Aspirations.

Every day holds the possibility of a miracle at Acres of Hope and Aspirations. During the VFW celebration, a single little chick hatched. In honor of VFW Veterans, her name was declared "VFW".  Her new life gives hope to all these VFW Veterans that they will always be respected and remembered for their service and sacrifices to this country. 

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Consider reaching out to Acres of Hope and Aspirations Charitable Foundation Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) tax exempt charitable entity with a monetary tax deductible donation to cover food, vet bills, supplies for Creatures of Rehab. Refer to the website for ongoing needs/wish list of the Creatures of Rehab, www.acresofhopeandaspirations.org or email acreshope@yahoo.com or call 414-422-4882.





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