Purple Heart Event in Branson

I keep putting off writing...so many things going on AND thinking I will wait till I get the photos downloaded on the computer. But decided not to wait for that...might take a while longer to get that accomplished!

We were privileged to attend the Purple Heart Event in Branson in April. We have had to just do those things that are closer to home as we are low on funds and have not had much in the way of donations lately. I can tell you that being able to get there is wonderful because when Eddie is out and around other veterans he is in his element AND feels his best! He'd love to be on the road visiting ALL the time....wellllllllll...maybe not ALL the time...but most of the time. (He does enjoy some time at home working outside on the property...
mowing and planting new bushes, trees, shrubs or flowers...and this past week he has done that as well as plant a small garden for the grandchildren to help him tend. They have been waiting to get that done!)

We started early on Friday by getting up at 4:45 AM so we could go to Branson Landing to see Al Roker! He was in town and we thought it would be interesting to just say we saw him! There was a large crowd gathered even that early and we got a glimpse of how they film his part of the show.

From there we went to the Day Room for registration. It was good to see our friends Chip and Sandy who are so generous to always run the Day Room. This is a great place for veterans to go and meet...to talk and visit and spend time. It was only opened for a few hours for this even, but is open all week during Veterans week in November......AND Chip and Sandy run it for the entire week!
We always enjoy spending time there visiting with the veterans...meeting new people and renewing acquaintances from past years. This day was no exception, we saw people we knew and also made new friends.

The opening ceremonies were at the Hamner Barber theater and Eddie was asked to say the opening prayer. It was so nice to be able to meet Dave Hamner and Jim Barber....we were back stage visiting for about 45 minutes before the start of the ceremonies. It has been amazing to meet so many wonderful people as we do things in Branson and elsewhere in our travels. At the opening ceremony they had a speaker talking about PTSD which was very informative for many of those attending.

The next day there was a show at the Hamner Barber theater for the veterans which included a variety of the talent from other shows as well as Dave and Jim performing. AND of course Dalena Ditto was there! A trip to Branson would not be complete if Eddie did not get to see her! We have gotten to be good friends with her and her husband...though on this short trip there was not time to go see her show...and visit with her family. (We did not even have time to see Eddie's family that live in town.) The closing number caused "sweaty eyes" for most of us. It is an interview of 3 Iwo Jima survivors and recipients of the Purple Heart....and shows the flag raising on Iwo. After the number those 3 veterans were brought up on stage and given a chance to say a few words. WOW...what a way to end a show!

The closing ceremony was at Branson Landing. This time the crowd was gathered to honor the Purple Heart recipients who were attending these events.
Eddie was asked to wear his uniform again and to help in the flag raising ceremony. He is always glad to do anything that Marlyce or anyone in Branson asks him to do. It was awesome to watch these veterans march into the plaza area. The guest speaker who is also a friend insisted on being the one to help push Eddie down the ramp to the stage area. Barbara Fairchild and her husband Roy sang to the audience during this ceremony.

We had a wonderful time, though it went by too quickly. We plan to be back in town the end of May just to rest and visit with all those we could not see on this trip.

Connie Beesley

WOW...how sweet to be a local celebrity!

Just before Spring Break we got an email from Connie Mashburn who works at Best of Books here in Edmond (where they carry Eddie's book Lucky Enough. She wanted us to know that her grandson Cade was doing his book report on Eddie's book AND she proudly told him she knew us. We called her and "got the details" AND told her that we would gladly come to his school as well as let him wear Eddie's uniform jacket and cover (hat for those of you who are not military).

Cade attends Cross Timbers Elementary School here in Edmond where our grandchildren went until they built a new school closer to us. We knew his teacher. Ms. Knoles who was also glad that we had come for the book reports. They had the cafeteria set up as a Wax Museum and we were all given a handful of pennies to "operate" the "wax" figures. What a site to see all of these students dressed as different people from different eras. It took a while for us to find Cade as we had entered on the opposite side from his position. BUT he was easy enough to spot in that sharp dress blue jacket! He was sitting in a chair with a blanket over his legs so that it appeared as though he were an amputee.

We made our way to his position and dropped a penny in his cup. He started his "story"...got mixed up and oh so cleverly without missing a beat said "machine malfunction please put in another penny". I nearly laughed at that! We put in another penny and heard Eddie's story!

I had forgotten my camera but got pictures from his grandmother as well as permission to tell this story. It truly is an honor when we hear that students in our town are reading Eddie's book when they must do a report on a biography...to be included among people in history like Alexander Graham Bell, Amelia Earhart and so many others is an honor.

I want to thank Cade for choosing Eddie's book and for doing such a fine job on his report! We enjoyed our afternoon at school!

Lately we haven't been doing a lot of traveling as we are working on funding in order to purchase more books. We do have some "events" planned and hopefully will have the funds to do even more. We always enjoy sharing our story and encouraging others. Life might deal you some real "lemons" BUT you can make "lemonade" AND have a wonderful life in spite of adversity!

Connie Beesley

I'm BACK!

I know...I have not posted anything in a long time...LIFE often has a way of crowding in...AND IF I were to list ALL the things that have been going on it would take a while so I will just say we have had 3 friends go home to Heaven, some "not needed" excitement with the grandchildren (ex...car wreck...no one hurt thankfully) among several other "things" these past several weeks.

In the midst of all of this we were blessed to be able to still get to Branson, MO for Veterans week. This is something we look forward to every year and would hate to miss. We said we would NOT be as busy this year...BUT that was actually not to be. I mean HOW could we not try to do as much as possible when there is so much to see and do all of this week!

This year my brother Mike returned and brought his wife Vicki this time. He enjoyed last year so much he had to come back....AND this year Vicki also decided that this is a great place to be for Veterans week...so I think we shall see them there again next year!

We were blessed to be able to spend a lot of our time at the Day Room which is run by our dear friends Chip and Sandy Milner. They are there from opening to closing...greeting and chatting with all the veterans who come there to spend some time visiting with others. This year Eddie took his guitar and was able to spend some time playing and singing with the other veterans who also came prepared to "jam". On one of our visits Penny Gilly was there and sang along with the group. She came several times before her show and spent time with all of us. The Day Room has really become a great gathering place for veterans while in Branson for this week.

It is always such a joy to see all of the friends we have made on past trips here...
Veterans week has become a sort of reunion for us! Diane and Bill "Doc" Storm come all the way from Michigan each year and we enjoy our time with them as well as all the others we've come to know.

Eddie was asked to wear his uniform to the Oak Ridge Boys show...not told any more than that! When we got there he was taken back stage! BUT I had to stay out in the audience! Then after a few songs Pat Avery was introduced and she presented Eddie and Joe Bonsall each with their own Spirit Award ...for outstanding contributions to the preservation of America's history. NOW who would have ever thought that one day Eddie would be on stage with the Oak Ridge Boys one day AND get a standing ovation! Life is often so amazing and we are having some wonderful times!

This year Branson had a Marine Corps Ball and Eddie was asked to participate in the cake cutting ceremony. He carried in the sword to cut the cake. Lt Col Oliver North was the guest speaker so this was truly an honor to be a part of this event. We enjoyed hearing Lt Col North speak and were so glad to be able to meet him. Like I said...life is amazing! We have been blessed to be able to do many wonderful things and meet so many wonderful people! The Ball was great fun and I hope that it will become an annual event...since we often have to miss the Ball in Oklahoma when it is scheduled during Veterans week.

We are already looking forward to Veterans week in Branson next year. Its a great place to be and the place we want to be!

I'll do my best to stay on top of things and not stay away too long...that is unless I need for some of you to call me again! YES...I got phone calls wondering why I had not posted anything AND actually that was rather nice...cuz that means someone is actually reading this! Thanks!

Connie Beesley

PAY ATTENTION!

We have found that it is a very good idea to "pay attention". As I said Eddie wasn't feeling "really well" in September. He did not want to see the doctor but gave in as I kept at him! His doctor had him take a stress test and when we heard nothing for two weeks we thought all was well....BUT then the phone call came that they did see something abnormal and wanted to do another test.

This time they scheduled the arterial gram and told him that if they found anything wrong they would fix it at that time. We called everyone we knew to have them praying and by the day of the test I was well fortified. I felt very much at peace and felt the outcome would be fine though I knew it was still very stressful for Eddie to have to go through the test. When the doctor came to talk to me he let me know that a they had put in a stent and would keep him overnight. We are very blessed to have such a good doctor and wonderful heart hospital...I can tell you that even the food there is great!

I guess that all of this actually put more stress on Eddie than we thought...AND then add to that the fact that he thinks he is superman....he overdid it...doing too much too soon and on Thursday he began having some chest pains. He didn't want me to take him to the ER but I did anyway! AND they kept him overnight to keep a watch on him. It wasn't his heart...probably just stress. I brought him home today and have been "ordering" him to rest!

I promise that I will keep him under control next week when we leave for Branson, MO for veterans week. We won't be on any schedule this time and can be much more relaxed than we were last year. During the week we have 3 dinners to attend and just a few other events...WE WILL DO A LOT OF RESTING! Eddie plans on taking his guitar and spending some time just visiting...picking and grinning at the Day Room where veterans gather to just visit and hang out.

AND for all you gentlemen (and ladies too) PAY ATTENTION to your bodies and your health. It is so much better to take precautions than to be sorry that you missed something. In all this...the triple by-pass last year and the stent this year we caught things BEFORE Eddie had a heart attack or any damage to his heart. For that we are VERY THANKFUL.

Connie Beesley

Louisville, KY VA hospital October 6th, 2008

We were asked to speak at the Louisville, Kentucky Veterans hospital on October 6th. I was a bit nervous when they asked that we both speak AND gave us nearly two hours on their program! Almost a year ago a friend of ours in Branson, MO took us into her office and told us she thought we should both be speaking and share our story from both points of view! We had thought about it, but had not been able to work anything up until we were given this challenge!
I told Eddie that I would feel much better if we practiced a LOT! Even though it is our story...I was not sure about how this would work out!

On Monday the 6th we arrived early. We had time for a cup of coffee and to visit with others before the meeting started. As we started our part, Eddie missed a line in his first section...wouldn't you know it! But that actually put me more at ease as I reminded him he'd not mentioned being stationed in Hawaii which was my cue for my part! From that point on it seemed to flow very well as we talked about meeting and then some of the adjustments to his injuries and PTSD.

We allowed time for questions and comments. One veteran said "You spoke right to me." It is at times like this that we know why we do this...and how important it is to others. Eddie and I have been very blessed to have "made it".
We've weathered many trials and adjustments over the years and in sharing our story we hope that it will help others to know and realize that they can make it as well. War changes a person in so many ways and that not only affects the veteran but their entire family. There were times when I felt so confused, not knowing what to do or how I could help Eddie...but somehow, over the years we learned how to talk and deal with so much...and now telling about that does seem to help others.

That is not to say we no longer have issues to deal with...we do...we are just better equipped to deal with them. We are still working things out even after all these years. There are still some dates and days when things are harder, but knowing that helps us get through those times even when they "sneak" up on us. We had one of those times this past September. We both began to "feel" down as September approached and for a few weeks we didn't realize what was going on or even why....then it dawned on us...it was a year ago that Eddie had his bypass surgery! That was a hard thing for both of us...and the anniversary did actually cause us some stress that we weren't even aware of at first. Eddie even had some "symptoms" and this time it was easier to get him to see his doctor to be sure all was well.

In a follow up note to us we have been told that the veterans at that meeting are still talking and sharing Eddie's book and what was said with other veterans. AND we were told that they would like for us to come again next year!

Connie Beesley

Welcome Home Brother

On July 11th of 2006 we were in Branson, MO for their Welcome Home celebration for Viet Nam Veterans. This welcome home was a long time coming for these veterans; many had NEVER heard these words from others. At that time our nation did not welcome home those who served with parades and celebrations. Most of those who came home would even "hide" the fact that they had even been in that war...that place.

All through the long week end...this band of brothers greeted each other with "Welcome Home", as well as tears and hugs. It was an emotional time for all who were there. AND a healing time as well.

One of the moving Wall memorials had been set up and it was one of the gathering places for those who were attending this event. Some had never been able to get to Washington DC to see the Wall. Some because they just couldn't face it...face the ghosts and memories of those lost. Ed always wants to take time to visit those he knew whenever we are anywhere close to one of these moving tributes. He has a nephew and many friends etched into those black panels and always takes the time to stop and let them know he will never forget them. We met a Gold Star mother who had come to this event to honor her son.
She had brought a large picture of her son and placed it lovingly each morning at the bottom of the panel with his name; then picked it up each evening. We listened as she told us about her son and how he had been killed. She gave us her email address and we still keep in touch with her from time to time.

As we were wandering around we met a Navy Corpsman, Doc Storm and his wife. There was an immediate connection between Ed and Doc and we spent a great deal of time with them throughout the week end. AND we still see them each year in November in Branson for Veterans week. In our travels we have gotten to know several corpsmen...AND many have become close friends...
wanting to keep in touch with Ed. (He and I were discussing this and a thought came to me...perhaps they see in you one survived...one of the boys they had to throw on a helicopter not knowing if he would live or die...never knowing. AND here you are...one who made it...who did survive!)

Near the Wall there were many tents set up for the vendors and much to browse through. At one booth we met two ladies who would change our lives forever!
Joyce Faulkner and Pat Avery from Red Engine Press were there to encourage veterans to tell their stories so they would not be lost. Ed had been working on writing his story for about 10 years and had for some reason even brought a copy of his work with us. He decided to give it to Joyce.

One of the highlights was the outdoor concert that had been arranged for us just outside of Branson. What a day we had! We were entertained by several of the bands from those years...back when we were young and lived through those troubled times. Doc and I proved that even at our age we could still do the twist! The music and entertainers took us back. Some memories were good...I had good memories of being a USO (United Service Organization) hostess at the Oakland, California club and visiting the Oakland Naval hospital where I met Ed! Some memories were hard...for those who had been in Vietnam and had their lives changed forever. But all those we talked with were glad they had come...glad to be with those who understood them and finally feel that they were actually "Welcomed Home!"

Tony Orlando was there along with the many groups and bands from that time. When Ann Margaret came on stage she got a very unexpected surprise. There was a man in the crowd who had brought a newspaper article with her picture from the time she had made an appearance in country where he was! She couldn't believe he'd kept it all these years! Many of us have kept our "reminders"; I still have some of the letters that I received from those servicemen that I wrote to during that time.

When Mr "Good Morning Vietnam" came on it also brought memories back to those who had listened to him on the radio long ago. He admitted that he did not do all of the things his character in the movie did, telling us "I would never have gotten away with all of those things!"

At the end of the day we were treated to a beautiful display of fireworks. What a way to end this eventful day! We were almost sad that the week end had come to an end. Thank you Branson for a much needed Welcome Home! One we will never forget.

For those of you who have never been to Branson in November for their Veterans Week...GO! I cannot begin to put into words how good it feels to be in a place...AN ENTIRE TOWN...that welcomes ALL veterans and treats them royally. We attend every year...in fact, last September when Ed was told he needed to have by-pass surgery his first question to his doctor was "Will I be able to go to Branson in November?" (We did get there) If you go, look for us there and be sure to say hello. You can visit their web site and see what will be going on this year. http://www.bransonveterans.com/

AND now THE REST OF THE STORY!

About a week after returning home Ed got a phone call from Joyce telling him that she felt his was a story that truly needed to be published...by November, just in time for Veterans Week Ed had his book Lucky Enough. And our lives have not been the same since then!


Connie Beesley

Roll Call

One usually thinks of Roll Call in light of taking attendance...seeing who is present and who is absent. But after attending the funeral of one of our Marines and hearing Roll Call with that one absent, I will never think of Roll Call in the same way. It began well enough, with each person present answering to their name...then, "Major J'' again, louder "Major J" and a third time yelling "Major J"...who would never answer another Roll Call here. It was a hard thing to experience. And something I would be reminded of at other times.

July 18th, 2006 we visited Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. I had made contact with Lt Col O and he set up for us to visit with the Marines there.
At 07:30 we met the Marines at their barracks for formation. Ed was given the opportunity to speak to the group and give each one a book and visit with them infividually. After that we went over to the hospital. Lt Col O wanted us to meet the family of a young Marine who was in ICU. The family was not in the waiting room or the ICU. When Lt Col O went into the ICU Cpl B was awake and said he'd like to have us come in to visit so we were allowed to see him.

We visited a short while. Ed gave him one of his books and a card that some of our local Marine Mom's had signed and sent with us to pass out. An aide read the card to Cpl B. and that brought a smile to his handsome young face. His injuries were very serious: he had lost his left arm and leg and had serious injuries to his entire left side.

When we returned in September and met with our Marines for formation we learned that Cpl B had just passed away. I wanted to cry...my eyes met Ed's and I turned away quickly to wipe away the tears. I felt I must be strong but it was not easy. Now his is one of the names I say to myself when listening to our National Anthem...he paid the highest price along with so many others to keep our nation free. I will never forget him.

Connie Beesley