Children of the world, blown to all corners of the world, we bloom anywhere!
The Dandelion ~ The Flower of the Military Child
The official flower of the military child is the dandelion. Why? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it’s almost impossible to destroy. It’s an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It’s a survivor in a broad range of climates. Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.…..Courtesy of School Quest
The Unsung Heroes
REUNITED: Lt. Commander Christopher Perkins and family, Fighting Tigers, Patrol Squadron VP-8, United States Navy.
April 2018
WELCOME HOME DAD!!
Spotting Dad’s Aircraft!
The military family!! Each one serves our country for each of us.
Our Youngest Ambassadors
In 1986 Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child to recognize and honor the service of our youngest heroes, our military kids…often called Military Brats.
Most of us know a military child. Many who serve our country in the Armed Forces have children, and many of us were military brats ourselves! Some of us went on to serve and our children became the Unsung Heroes.
House in the Woods Military and Family Retreat often has attendees who bring their spouses and their children to share in the events. We are steadfast supporters of these families. We fully comprehend their lifestyle and their losses. We honor them and are here to help them.
We always make these children aware of how proud we are of them and thank them for their service as our Unsung Heroes.
Please make it a point to welcome the military family to your neighborhood and show them the sincere respect they deserve.
An amazing nonprofit for military families is Blue Star Families. Please take a moment to view their website to discover the dedication and support they provide to our Armed Forces and their children. Perhaps you would like to help but do not live near a military base or know of any military families. You can always step up to send a financial gift. Go to their website to discover how you, too, can honor our military spouses and children.
Thank you Blue Star Families for all you do for our men and women who serve and the unsung heroes….the military children.
I am an American fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. Article One of the Code of Conduct for members of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show March 16-18, 2018 Orono, ME
Penobscot County Conservation Association’s annual Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show was held March 16-18, at University of Maine Field House.
There were more than 120 exhibitors, including canoes, fishing, fly tying, hunting dogs, trapping, taxidermy, boat and marine supplies, outdoor wear, bow hunting, camping, backpacking, ATVs, firearms, demonstrations, talks and entertainment.
House in the Woods booth where old and new friends were discovered. Thanks to all who took the time to stop in to visit and to the newcomers who stopped to learn what we are all about: caring for and honoring our combat wounded, veterans and active military at our lodge in the wood of Lee, Maine. It was a great day for all of us!!
Professional Bull Riding
If you had the opportunity to enjoy the bull riding event on Saturday March 24th and/or Sunday March 25th at the Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine we’re sure you enjoyed it as much as we did! What a great time!!
Dusty Tuckness
THE DRAW
EIGHT SECONDS
HOOKED
QUALIFIED RIDE
Dusty Tuckness distracting the bull while he protects the bull rider who was ejected from his fierce challenger.
Dusty hands~on moving bull off rider!
Not your average 9~5 job!!
Dusty Tuckness and Matt Merritt are entertainers who used to be referred to as “rodeo clowns”.
As Matt explains; Oxford Dictionary defines the term Rodeo Clown as a person whose job is to distract the bull from the rider who has been unseated in a bull riding event, or to provide comic entertainment for an audience between events. This definition was absolutely correct in earlier years of rodeo but in the 21st century of rodeo we have separated these jobs and given them two different job titles that each one respectfully deserves. Now we have bullfighters and entertainers.
Matt Merritt
Matt was introduced to House in the Woods by Debi Gould…and the rest is history! Matt was a guest at the lodge and he and PBR have since been fantastic, steadfast supporters by spreading the word about House in the Woods and our mission to bring to our lodge our combat wounded, active military and all veterans of all wars .
Matt with Paul House
Paul and Dee house being honored at bull riding event.
Matt has a Podcast and his Episode 5 speaks of his connection with us.
Matt shares: Listen to Episode 5 of ROADCAST House in the Woods and share it with your friends. It’s about a great AMERICAN family and an amazing AMERICAN organization.
Episode 5 Matt Merritt’s Podcast
When you have an opportunity it listen to all of Matt’s Podcast episodes. They are great!!
Special Honors at PBR Event
Anne Martin Devin, U.S. Marine, Retired
ANNE MARTIN DEVIN: 27 years active duty U.S. Marine Corps, retired Colonel Intelligence Officer. Served in Somalia. Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan. Lived in Korea and Japan. Personal awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, and Bronze Star. Now resides in Monroe, ME where she and her husband, Tim own and operate an amazing organic farm Chase Stream Farm which is also a place for fellow veterans to come and experience what farming has to offer them. Take time to visit their web site. If you reside in Maine…go visit!!
The Marine Corps’ Core Values
Honor, Courage, and Commitment
Semper Fi
Brandon Deaton, U.S. Army Retired
BRANDON DEATON: U.S. Army, retired Infantry Sergeant Team Leader wounded in 2007 while serving in Iraq with 10th Mountain Division. Single amputee from Brunswick, Maine who spent 20 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and returned to active duty with his infantry unit for 1.5 years. Personal awards include: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Airborne Wings, Purple Heart, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and an Army Overseas Service Medal. Now resides in Brunswick, ME with fiancé, Riva. They will be married in September. Brandon joined us at our lodge for a week of moose hunting last year! When the weather gets warmer, around May, Brandon can be found jumping out of a plane with Windy Warrior. The Windy Warrior is Adrenaline Therapy Program is an outside-the-plane approach to PTSD / Suicide Prevention for qualified veterans nationwide. A unique way to help our veterans.
Army Code of Honor
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.
Brandon Deaton (L) and Anne Martin Devin (R) representing the U.S. Military at PBR event.
All of us associated with House in the Woods have the deepest regard and love for all our military; active, retired, combat wounded and all veterans. Thank you for your service. It means everything to us!
Many of us know firsthand the sacrifices you make/made for every American. From every branch of the military… you are one. Your brothers and sisters are everywhere. We honor you every day and want you each to know that we are ALWAYS here to help in any way possible.
SSGT. Andrew (Drew) Roberson, U.S. Marine Corp, Company A 1st Battalion 25th Marines brought his unit color guard from Brunswick, Maine to present at the PBR event. Drew was at last fall’s black bear hunt at our lodge where he quickly became friends with Matt Merritt. Both men have a special affinity with House in the Woods.
Matt Merritt was introduced to HITW by Debi Gould, an Account Executive with WABI TV5 Maine and Director of Up Country Productions. Debi has been a valued friend and supporter of our mission at HITW from day~one!
Debi told Matt he should visit our lodge during black bear week…….Thus, the amazing results of networking with those you know, connecting and sharing their individual business and personal networks. There are so many similar stories of how the word spreads regarding all that HITW has to offer our military. Lifetime friends are made at our lodge.
A special Thank You Debi Gould for purchasing these amazing, action~filled, professional photographs to share with House in the Woods. Great shots by photographers Kevin Bennett and Rodney Devost. Both men are based in Maine. Kevin is in Bangor. Rodney Devost is in Auburn.
L~R: Mario Real, Michael Gould and Drew Roberson
Marine, Mario Real was also at the black bear hunt last fall with Drew and Matt Merritt. Michael Gould…familiar last name as he is Debi’s husband.. was Army Reserve and has been on the Sheriff’s Department for nearly 30 years. These gentlemen continue to serve our country and are all connected to House in the Woods, all are good friends.
SSGT. Andrew (Drew) Roberson, U.S. Marine Corp, Company A 1st Battalion 25th Marines. June of 2004 he joined the Corps., deployed to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2006. In 2011 SSGT. Roberson deployed to Afghanistan and again in 2013. He currently serves as the Training Chief, Equal Opportunity Representative, Company Physical Training Representative, Toys for Tots Coordinator, and is an integrated billet for Selected Marine Corps Reserves as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. His awards include the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of 3rd award, and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of 2nd award.
Drew resides in Brunswick, Maine with his wife Amanda and two children under the age of four years.
Battle of The Badges
April 7th, 2018, Saturday at Lee Academy
Battle of the Badges is our own local “phenomenon” that grips the , Maine sports enthusiasts who wear a badge to work: Police, sheriff, fire, forest ranger, game warden….They showed up on April 7th….they all shot hoops, fouled one another out, made 3-pointers and helped a veteran by playing some great competitive games!!
We are so thankful for all of you who serve our great state of Maine and we are indeed grateful that you continue to support those who wear a different uniform….the United States Military.
Battle of the Badges Basketball tournament, which has been held in Hampden, Maine for the past few years, had a new location this year.
The individual who organized this fun event between those who wear the badge was being deployed to Afghanistan and unable to organize the this year. At the last minute a couple of troopers got together to hold this one in Lee. Where there is a need, our family of local public safety employees who serve, always have our back and step up to help.
Thank you to those who participated in the 2018 battle of the badges to raise money for House in the Woods. It was great to see everyone yesterday.….Paul House, Executive Director HITW
Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods had the pleasure to be the guest speaker at AARP, Bangor, Maine the first week of April, to speak about our mission for our Armed Forces and those who serve/served.
AARP is not only for those over 50 years of age! They value the freedom and rights secured by veterans, the military and their families. AARP continues to advocate for veterans’ issues providing relevant information and resources to assist them and their families with whatever challenges or opportunities they face.
AARP Welcome Veterans, Military and Families
Family Readiness Program Seminar
April 7, 2018 at Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine
Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services HITW with Retired U.S. Army SSG Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne
Dee had the opportunity to meet with Travis who was the inspirational guest speaker at the Readiness Program Seminar.
The Family Readiness is a critical issue for the Department of Defense. Quality of life and family matters are priority issues for the Secretary and the services. The Department’s ability to assist service members and their families to prepare for separations during short and long term deployments is paramount to sustaining mission capabilities and mission readiness. The Reserve components have worked closely with their parent services to develop seamless, integrated family readiness and support programs that provide information and services to all members, regardless of the parent service or component of the member-Active, Guard or Reserve.
Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat
In September 2013, Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist combat-injured veterans. Travis also founded the Travis Mills Group, LLC where he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations nationwide inspiring all to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.
Attn: House in the Woods Volunteers
April 27~28, 2018
As we prepare for the 2018 season, I would like to thank each one of you for a job well done! I’m sure you’ve heard it said before, “Many hands make light work”. This was definitely true last season.
Together we gave 3,937 hours to the lodge, since I started keeping track in August. What a fantastic outpouring of community support for our veterans and HITW.
We will be hosting a volunteer/staff training on Friday evening and Saturday, April 27 and 28, 2018. We are still in the planning phase for this program, more detailed information will be available by the end of March.
Chamberlain Lake Fishing Retreat
3~Day Native Trout & Togue Fishing
May 7th~9th, 2018
Hosted by Nugent’s Camps, Ashland Maine
Rob Flewelling and Stella Soucy, managers of Nugent’s Camp.
Come join House in the Woods for a few days of fabulous fishing on Chamberlain Lake at Nugents Camp!
Cabins on the shore and time on the water with other brothers-in-arms very often stimulates a good talk with those who have been in your boots. The kind of conversations that may be difficult to have at home following the physical and psychological trauma of combat. Casting that line to see what shows up on the other end is a great conversation in itself!
The House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat’s Mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats.
REMEMBER: all events at House in the Woods are FREE to all veterans, active military and their families.
It is in such an environment that many of our combat wounded open up to share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice. We have always known; it takes a vet to understand a vet……these are the brothers and sisters who protect our Nation’s Freedom and Democratic Ideals.
And….there is the simple presence of nature that can clear your mind; water slapping against the boat, birds on the shore, the revitalizing fresh air to fill your lungs, the sun sparkling on the water. A moment you will always remember and want to return to again and again.
Our goal is to help, in any way possible, to assist in the reintegration of our Armed Forces warriors to life at home. Come join us to see for yourself.
Fishing is never better than with friends!
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after….
Henry David Thoreau
Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
MASSACHUSETTS FUNDRAISER
American Legion Nonantum Post 440
295 California St
Newton, MA 02458
Come have some fun and show off your cornhole skills. Create a 2~person team, or we will create a team for you. CASH prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place.
If you would prefer to spectate, come for some fun and cheer on the participants.
Food, raffles and special games will be available throughout the event. Sponsorship is available. Volunteers are welcomed. This cornhole tournament is honoring and supporting House in the Woods!
Come join Paul House, Luke House and Kyle Purington who is an U.S. Army Veteran and staunch supporter of House in the Woods. This Massachusetts Cornhole Tournament was made possible through Kyle’s business network.
A BIG THANK YOU KYLE AND NEWA
Lodging Available at: Crowne Plaza Boston , 320 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 969-3010 . Please note that registration is at 5:30 pm. Driving Directions
Games start at 6:30 pm. Contact Heather Harrington, New England Wireless Association with any questions. Or call: 603-818-3394 heather.harrington@sprint.com
ARMED FORCES DAY
May 19, 2018
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.
The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.
The first Armed Forces Day was held on May 20, 1950, and given the Teamed for Defense theme. It was selected as a way to show that all branches of the military had been united under one department of the government.
Approximately 10,000 American troops marched past the President in Washington D.C., while 33,000 people in New York City commemorated the occasion under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types.
Famous World War II warships were in harbors across the country for the public to see, and precision flying teams filled the skies. The American people came together across the country to honor members of the Armed Forces….Courtesy of U.S. Veterans Magazine U.S. Veterans Magazine
In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday of every May and is exhibited by exercises, parades, and receptions that highlight and honor our amazing military and all of its strength.
Since Armed Forces Day is not a federal holiday, many military installations are available for public viewing for those wishing to take part in the celebration or to learn more about our country’s military.
Some other ways to celebrate the special occasion include flying the American Flag (which many of us do 24/7/365), talking with or writing to a military member, donating to military-based organizations, or sending care packages for those serving overseas.
The importance of this day should always be evident. It is a day that our military members rightly deserve and it’s essential that we celebrate it accordingly…. Courtesy of Military Benefits Web Military Benefits Info
Monday
May 21, 2018
2nd Annual Golf Tournament at
Martindale Country Club
Auburn, Maine
It’s a Monday, Call in Sick, Take a Comp Day, Cut Class…Whatever it Takes!!!
Martindale Country Club, a premier golf course in Maine, is once again graciously opening up their beautiful golf course for a day as a fund raiser for House in the Woods. Those involved in creating this great event are graciously donating their time. This year we are serving a light breakfast, and outdoor grill lunch and food will be served at the awards banquet.
Plan ahead as you do not want to miss this fun and somewhat competitive day!!! Can’t make it that day? Please consider sponsoring a veteran for the day. Fabulous cause for all our veterans from all states in our great country!
The Farmington Emblem Club #460 is a group of members that support community charities, enjoy helping Veterans and have a dedication to patriotism. They presented Paul House with a generous donation for House in the Woods.
Whether participants are sitting under the countless stars on a cloudless summer night or reflecting on their own reflections in the glass-like stillness of a Maine pond during a 4:00 a.m. summer sunrise, there is a therapy in realizing one’s enduring place in eternity. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will derive a sense of accomplishment, find, through exercise, a release of stress, and have the opportunity to talk and share with one another the laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common bonds.
House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat sincerely knows, it takes a veteran to understand a veteran.
We are located at 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee, Maine
Coordinates: 45.3601° N, 68.2864° W
You can reach us at: 207/570-4421
Email: Deanna.House@houseinthewoods.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: It is always such a rewarding experience for me personally to create this monthly newsletter for House in the Woods. I have been humbled and honored with each contributor I speak with. The list is far too long, but each of you know who you are. I cannot thank you enough; men and women who have served our country, civilians who share photos of events we hold at HITW, and those who work directly with our Armed Forces in various non profit veterans’ organizations as well as the great volunteers and staff at House in the Woods.
I have corresponded with many soldiers who graciously share their stories. It is together we share with you.
We sincerely honor and care for your welfare……THE AMERICAN SOLDIER, AIRMAN, SAILOR, MARINE, COAST GUARDIANS. We pray daily for all who are serving, those who struggle hourly with their combat wounds both physical and PTSD, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice……..we always keep your family in our hearts…..Brenda Everson~Shaw
We thank you all who are serving and have served. Listen to the following:
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, the American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your soul, and the other died for your freedom……..
In honor of SSGT. Joel House
and
SSGT. Blair Emery
