Angels of Mercy was founded in 2003. Marian Chirichella and Jay Edwards became American Red Cross volunteers in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) wounded who were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC).
When they arrived at WRAMC, they realized that there was a great deal of excellent medical care going on, but very little support available. After realizing what was needed, Marian and Jay drew upon their years of professional project management experience, and approached the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 270 in McLean, Virginia.
The Angels of Mercy program quickly took off and today they are to be found at not only WRAMC, but also overseas at Combat Support Hospitals (CSH) in Iraq and Afghanistan, Forward Operating Bases (FOB) such as Q-West, Camp Korean Village, the R&R facility in Qatar, as well as many Fisher Houses across the United States.
Just exactly what type of support will you find Angels of Mercy providing? They provide clothing and comfort items to WRAMC, CSH’s and FOB’s, overseas. They even have interacted with the families of the wounded at the Walter Reed Fisher House by cooking meals for them, and doing the grocery shopping that was needed. From the smallest need and details to the largest, they provide support for the wounded and their families.
They now sponsor events such as holiday gift giving, Super Bowl parties, baby showers, gift wrapping parties to provide holiday gifts for the wounded and their families, and many more events. Special off-campus trips are set up and they provide escorts for those.
For more information on Angels of Mercy, check out their website for photos of events they have supported.
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