Connie D. Pennington is a Red Cross Volunteer at Malcolm Grow Hospital, Andrews AFB.
The Communications Supply Corporation Facility Security Officer volunteers her time to help wounded service men and woman returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to get settled in. Pennington helps to get them food, clean clothes, bathing supplies or whatever they may need.
“Each of these wounded service members is transported the next day to their destination hospital. Liter-bound patients often have injuries that require a pillow to prop their foot, leg, arm, neck or whatever,” said Pennington. She indicated that they have approximately 10 to 15 liter-confined veterans with each group of returning service members and that there are approximately three groups each week. “That is a lot of pillows,” she exclaimed.
Pennington stated that Malcolm Grow Hospital has come to the Red Cross for help supplying enough pillows for all the returning veterans. “They do not have the funds to supply all the pillows and asked us to supply them.”
The Red Cross’ budget was cut 80% in the last month and they are not able to meet the current need.
“I have three people at Pax working the medical system there to see what they can come up with,” said Pennington. She asks that anyone in the hotel or medical business that might have a supply of pillows donate them to the effort. “I think this would be an excellent opportunity for students who need community service hours to jump in and help.”
Those wishing to make a tax deductible donation can contact The American Red Cross, Maryland Room, National Capital Area, 8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22303, attn: Sergio Nino. “If you send a check donation please put American Red Cross – Maryland Room. That will guarantee the funds stay in our unit and do not go to the generic Red Cross fund,” said Pennington.
For those wishing to donate new clothes, toiletries or pillows, Pennington asks that they contact her via email – cpennington@csc.com