With all of that on her plate, Barb still had time in October to "bring I Married the War to Tucson!" She and a host of others whom we were privileged to meet. Among them was "Col. Moe," aka US Army Colonel Maureen Gagliardi (Ret), who was the wonderful MC for the event, and Krista Durocher, Volunteer Coordinator for Tucson Medical Center Hospice.
A big shout-out to Tucson Medical Center Hospice/We Honor Veterans, the major sponsor for the screening, and the four forthcoming wives of combat veterans who participated in the panel: Terri Topmiller from the film, Kari Middleton from Tucson, Wendy Council (wife of Davis-Monthan AFB Command Chief Master Sergeant, 355th Wing), and Michelle Mills (wife of Davis-Monthan AFB Commander of the 355th Wing). More thanks to ace photographer Katie Moore for documenting the event, and to Zach Breneman and his staff at The Loft Cinema for their kind hospitality.
At The Loft Theatre, we also had the pleasure of greeting family and reuniting with longtime friends. The proceeds from the screening were donated to the Tucson Gold Star Memorial Monument fund, and the Hawaiian Shirts for Deployed Soldiers project. We were delighted to join the Hawaiian Shirts committee and fold shirts in a Ranger Roll for shipping, complete with personal notes tucked into the pockets.
We really appreciate every single person who attended this fundraiser, who donated cash or goods, who volunteered their time and knowledge, and who believe in acknowledging, listening to, and supporting not only our nation's active military and veterans, but also our nation's military spouses and families. To top it all off, this vivid rainbow greeted everyone as we said our goodbyes and drove away.
If you would like to bring I Married the War to your community, please contact us today by responding below this update. You can also follow us on Facebook at this link.
2 Responses
Barb Brownlie
Thanks Betty and Ken for coming to Tucson and introducing “I Married the War” to our community. Thanks Terri Topmiller, documentary star, and our 3 other local combat spouses for sharing your story too.
Glad the 11 women in documentary shared how life changed once their spouse came home from war. Their struggles are real-the scars of war don’t go away; families cope in many different ways-thankful these spouses across America have their own support system.
We made many new friends too….thanks Ken and Betty for taking part in the Hawaiian Shirts for Deployed Soldiers mission.
Betty Rodgers
We thank you, Barb, for your dedication to our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. Your efforts make a huge, affirming difference in so many lives.