Turf Valley offers veterans, families R&R

Ellicott City (Map, News) - U.S. Army soldier Joshua Hays suffered leg, face and brain injuries in Iraq after an improvised explosive device explosion and vehicle collision in October 2005 and is learning new ways to cope at a retreat with his family.

One of 23 injured military members on the trip, this Michigan Army National Guard member came to the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City with his wife, Julie, and three children on a free trip hosted by The Blewitt Foundation.

Although he says he can no longer camp, hike and run the way he used to, the wide variety of activities offered at the resort have helped him. His athletic abilities come into play when he’s with his son, Cody, 7, who’s autistic.

“I have a hard time sometimes chasing him around,” Hays, of Brighton, Mich., said. “This retreat helps us realize that there are things we can still do. We can still take him to the aquarium and do other things with the family.”

Jason Manning of Fort Bragg, N.C., served two tours in Iraq and broke his leg last Thanksgiving. His wife, Debra and their two children have enjoyed the music, dancing and field trips to Baltimore’s popular attractions, like the Baltimore Aquarium.

“It’s been awesome and a lot more than we expected,” Debra Manning said. “The Army has a husband and wife retreat but this is better so the whole family can be together. We know what we’re supposed to do.”

Many of the military members also enjoy the camaraderie with their peers, at the luxury resort and conference center, peers one compared to a second family.

“Just being able to sit around and jaw-jack with the guys — it’s one of the best things about this place,” said Sam Reagan of Clinton, Tenn.

Paul Witte of Luverne, Minn., who retired disabled in 2005 after over 20 years in the Navy, is attending the retreat with his wife, Lori, and three children.

“Most of us couldn’t afford to fly to Baltimore for vacation unless we were Bill Gates or something,” he said.

“The military talks of rehab, but what about rehab for the whole family? This is good because a lot of people don’t realize that when you’re on active duty, there’s a toll that wives and kids pay.”

About Turf Valley

Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City offered convenience and opportunities for fun and relaxation for numerous injured military members and their families who converged there for a unique all-expenses paid retreat.

“Turf Valley has been the perfect marriage for us,” said Joe Cantafio, vice president of programs at the Blewitt Foundation, based in Aldie, Va., which hosted the free five-day pilot program called “Destination R&R.”

“Everyone here has gone out of their way and with a smile to do this.”

Most of the 23 retired and active-duty servicemembers have post-traumatic stress disorder or have burns, said Regina Ford, Turf Valley’s public relations director. One used a wheelchair.

“Most of the guys with prosthetic limbs are able to get around rather well, and it’s heartwarming to see,” she said.

“All in all the group seemed to be functioning as any other family would in a fun-filled resort. They were dancing with their wives and swimming in the pool.”

The resort also was chosen for its proximity to the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, since the families are traveling from across the nation, as well as its family-friendly facilities like the pool and spa, said Richard Blewitt, foundation president and CEO.

In addition, the servicemembers and their families were treated to a visit to the Baltimore Aquarium and an Orioles game at Camden Yards.
The National Military Family Association selected candidates for the retreat from a pool of injured soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More than 370 Maryland men and women were injured out of more than 26,000 in the United States, according to www.icasualties.org.

jkowalkowski@baltimoreexaminer.com

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