Maggie Megalas
The most decorated officer ever in the 82nd Airborne Division, Maggie Megalas receives his Freedom Life Chest™.
He is 102 years old.
Dave Roever
Dave Roever
South Texas. The last thing on his mind was going to war. At the height of the Vietnam War, he received his draft notice. Having no desire to serve in the infantry, he joined the Navy and served as a river boat gunner in the elite Brown Water Black Beret in Vietnam.
Eight months into his tour of duty in Vietnam, Dave was burned beyond recognition when a phosphorous grenade he was poised to throw exploded in his hand. The ordeal left him hospitalized for fourteen months, where he underwent numerous major surgeries. His survival and life are miraculous.
Today, with his humorous style, Dave Roever is enthusiastically received both nationally and internationally as a public speaker. He is a gifted communicator and speaks in a variety of settings including public schools, military installations, business, men' s and youth conventions, etc. Dave is a frequent guest on national television talk shows. He established compassionate, ongoing missions work in Vietnam and is involved in other nations.
In every setting, Dave's message is one of hope. Using his life as an example, he addresses issues relevant to his audience and presents concrete solutions to life' s problems. Often drawing upon his war experiences of loneliness, peer pressure, disfigurement and pain, as well as life' s triumphs, Dave weaves a message of courage, commitment and survival that touches and transforms those who hear him. The foundation of his hope is his faith, supported by the wholesome relationships with his parents, wife, children and grandchildren.
Thirty-four years after his injuries, the Department of the Navy corrected its oversight by awarding Dave his Purple Heart, along with several other service medals. Because of his war-time experience of service, injury and recovery, he is uniquely qualified to speak to the needs of military personnel. He is called upon regularly to address troops on domestic military bases as well as those deployed in Iraq and other locations around the globe.
In May 2005, Dave was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his remarkable life and service.
Dave Roever is founder, chairman, and president of two non-profit corporations: Roever Evangelistic Association (REA) and Roever Educational Assistance Programs (REAP) based in Fort Worth, Texas. Dave and his wife, Brenda, are co-founders of Eagles Summit Ranch near Westcliffe, Colorado, where Dave, Brenda, and team train wounded warriors, others from the U.S. military, and talented young leaders in areas of specific focus such as public speaking, and marital and emotional recovery after devastating injury, helping them to fulfill their destinies. Development of the second Eagles Summit Ranch - Texas, has begun, near San Antonio, Texas.
FAMILY
Dave has a wife, Brenda, two children and four grand children.
MILITARY SERVICE
1968 - 1971 U.S. Navy, Special Warfare Division, with a tour of duty in Vietnam; injured in Vietnam in July 1969
MILITARY AWARDS
Purple Heart Medal
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
(Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm)
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
(Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color with Palm)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device
"Woody" Wilson
Mr. “Woody” Wilson
What an honor! Today, Mr. “Woody” Wilson received his Lifechest, where he is placing memorabilia from his years of his life and service. What are you putting in your Lifechest? This is an amazing Marine: Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams (born October 2, 1923) is a retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer and United States Department of Veterans Affairs veterans service representative who received the United States military's highest decoration for valor—the Medal of Honor—for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He and three soldiers are the only living Medal of Honor recipients from that war. In addition, he is the only surviving Marine to have received the Medal of Honor during the Second World War, and is the only surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Pacific theater of the war. We salute you, sir!
Combat Injured Troops: We Salute You!
COMBAT INJURED TROOPS was formed to support our military veterans and their families through our Therapy in the Air program that makes you smile! With now three programs to assist Veterans, Combat Injured Troops goal is to be able to help military men and women including their families. There are no paid salaries in the COMBAT INJURED TROOPS organization and they are an approved 501(c) Charity.
Therapy in the Air
The All Veteran Group (AVG) through Therapy in the Air, in support of Combat Injured Troops, helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Therapy in the Air offers an unparalleled sense of freedom mingled with excitement unlike that of any other sport.
Hometown Heroes
Our Hometown Heroes Program is designed to showcase someone from the community who has sacrificed time and effort to better his or her community. A local hero may include but not be limited to: an average citizen who saved a life, a renowned teacher, a community humanitarian, a firefighter, a paramedic or police officer. This program is not an award but a way to say thanks to Americans who have done great things.
22 a Day
The 22-A-Day project is an awareness program that exposes the little known fact that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. This is a staggering number that is often overlooked. Our military serve and protect all of us and deserve our deepest appreciation, respect and care. By educating the public, the 22-A-Day project hopes to inspire more people to get involved and work together by joining our resources to eradicate this problem.
The Life Chest supports Combat Injured Troops and the All Veteran Group and is proud to work closely with CIT board member and AVG Founder and CEO Mike Elliot.
Watch Mike Elliot's Freedom Life Chest Testimonial:
James Megellas
James Megellas with Mike Elliot, Founder of AVG All Veteran Group
James Megellas, born March 11, 1917, is a retired U.S. Army officer who commanded a platoon in Company H of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He is "the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division," having received a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star and a nomination for the Medal of Honor. Megellas was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and attended nearby Ripon College. He participated in the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and, upon graduation in May 1942, received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
He first experienced combat in the mountains outside Naples, Italy, where he was wounded and hospitalized. In October 1943, while the remainder of the 82nd Airborne departed Italy to recoup before the invasion of Normandy, the 504th PIR remained behind and took part in Operation Shingle. On Jan. 22, 1944, the 504th took part in an amphibious assault at Anzio. The fighting took a heavy toll with Megellas being wounded again. Due to the losses at Anzio, the 504th did not participate in the D-Day Normandy landings, but they did parachute into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden.
Megellas took part in the crossing of the Waal River near Nijmegen, where American forces crossed the river in flimsy boats while under heavy machine gun fire. He single-handedly attacked a German observation post and machine gun nest during the engagement. For these actions, he was awarded the U.S. military's second-highest decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, and, in December 1944, the regiment was rushed into the Battle of the Bulge.
On Jan. 28, 1945, Megellas' platoon was advancing toward Heresiarch, Belgium. Struggling through heavy snow and freezing cold, they surprised 200 Germans who were advancing out of the town. Catching the Germans largely off guard, the attack proved to be devastating, with the Americans killing or capturing a large number and causing many others to flee. As they prepared to assault the town, a German Mark V tank took aim at them. Megellas ran toward it and disabled it with a single grenade. Climbing on top of the tank, he dropped another grenade into the tank, eliminating the threat to his men. He then led his men as they cleared and seized the town with no casualties to his team. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor, but the account of his actions was not included in the original battle reports, and he was instead awarded the Silver Star.
Throughout the war, Megellas served with Company H, 504th PIR, which he would later command. In January 1946, he led his company down Fifth Avenue in New York City in the Victory Parade. He left the active Army service that year with the rank of Captain and served an additional 16 years in the Army Reserve. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and wrote a memoir of his wartime experiences entitled “All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe.” Megellas and his wife currently live in Colleyville, Texas. Maggie was nominated for the Medal of Honor seventy years ago, it was reviewed by the Senate on 01/30/2017 and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Vietnam Veterans of America host Operations Christmas event
Remember our new Life Chest Lifer Claude Wood? Well, The Life Chest and Claude’s story had the privilege of being featured in local newspaper The Macomb Daily by Linda May!
“Freedom Military Life Chests –- repositories for treasured memorabilia –- were recently presented to 55 veterans from the Tri-County area. They received them the day before Veterans Day at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9 building in Detroit.
The Life Chest company of Troy put on the program and donated the chests.
“Veterans were selected based upon their service both during and after their military time,” Mike Sand, of Fraser, said.
Macomb County vets who received chests included Al Opra, Laura Rios, Jerry Van de Vyver, Dave Trevino, Phil Gannia, Paul Palazzolo, Steven Mrozek, Tara Perez, Keith Edwards, Joe Rheker, Steven Gerebics, Robert Slavko and Therese Wrobel.
Sand received one, as did George Sheppard III.
On Veterans Day, Sheppard gave his chest to Claude Wood who is the Fraser-Reid Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6691 charter commander. Wood celebrated his 97th birthday on that day. Sheppard’s father was also a charter member of the post in 1946.
“George gifted his chest to a special friend and fellow veteran, Claude Wood. Claude is a 97-year-old World War II veteran and a 1946 charter member of the Fraser VFW Post 6691. George’s father, George Sheppard Jr., was also a charter member. Claude and George III have both dedicated their lives to supporting our military and veterans. At a surprise birthday recognition and celebration, George presented his special gift to Claude. A very emotional moment indeed,” Sand said.
The chests have pewter emblems representing each branch of the armed forces and the Great Seal of the United States.
“This is definitely a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation, one of the finest holiday presents anyone could ask for. We cannot thank The Life Chest company enough for such a gift,” Sand said. “It was a very nice gesture on their part and I kind of look at the chest as a cross between a footlocker and a hope chest. I have put some very special things in mine such as the pen Governor Engler used to lend the State of Michigan’s support to the Michigan Vietnam Memorial Monument.
Sand’s chest contains a U.S. flag displayed by four Detroit mayors, an autographed book depicting Vietnam memorials in all 50 states, keepsakes from his parents, challenge coins, military patches, audio tapes, DVDs, and books related to Sand’s Vietnam War experiences.
“It’s sort of my personal time capsule,” he said.”
Thank you to Linda May for the great article!
Grandpa Willie the Navy Man
Last week we proudly co-hosted an event with Louis Vuitton and had the pleasure of hearing singer and song write Ajia perform with her incredible band. (See the previous post for more on this amazing event.)
Here is a Life Chest story about Ajia's gramps.
@steelysajia
Grandpa Willie the Navy man. First, he was great friends with Lou Rawls they golfed together all the time. He was also the first black detective SanBernardino and when a rookie white cop was promoted over my grandfather even though he had everything in place tenure etc to be promoted he sued the department and won. That was unheard of especially back in those days. He was the SanBernardino Chapter President of the NAACP as well as a high-ranking Mason. He although never smoked or hardly drank outside of a few beers passed from cancer many years ago.
Combat Injured Troops: We Salute You!
COMBAT INJURED TROOPS was formed to support our military veterans and their families through our Therapy in the Air program that makes you smile! With now three programs to assist Veterans, Combat Injured Troops goal is to be able to help military men and women including their families. There are no paid salaries in the COMBAT INJURED TROOPS organization and they are an approved 501(c) Charity.
Therapy in the Air
The All Veteran Group (AVG) through Therapy in the Air, in support of Combat Injured Troops, helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Therapy in the Air offers an unparalleled sense of freedom mingled with excitement unlike that of any other sport.
Hometown Heroes
Our Hometown Heroes Program is designed to showcase someone from the community who has sacrificed time and effort to better his or her community. A local hero may include but not be limited to: an average citizen who saved a life, a renowned teacher, a community humanitarian, a firefighter, a paramedic or police officer. This program is not an award but a way to say thanks to Americans who have done great things.
22 a Day
The 22-A-Day project is an awareness program that exposes the little known fact that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. This is a staggering number that is often overlooked. Our military serve and protect all of us and deserve our deepest appreciation, respect and care. By educating the public, the 22-A-Day project hopes to inspire more people to get involved and work together by joining our resources to eradicate this problem.
The Life Chest supports Combat Injured Troops and the All Veteran Group and is proud to work closely with CIT board member and AVG Founder and CEO Mike Elliot.
Watch the Combat Injured Troops and Life Chest Promotional Video:
Watch Mike Elliot's Freedom Life Chest Testimonial:
Sword and Plough : An All American Company
Sword & Plough is a socially conscious brand that works with American manufacturers who employ veterans. The company recycles military surplus, incorporates that fabric into stylish bag designs and donates 10% of profits back to veteran organizations. A family business, sister's Emily and Betsey make sturdy and sophisticated products, whose sale will empower veteran employment, reduce waste, and strengthen civil-military understanding.
"I wanted to create something that would emotionally and physically touch civilians in their everyday lives and remind them, in a beautiful way, of the challenges our country and servicemen face." - Sword and Plough
Check out their beautiful line of products as well as more of their incredible story at https://www.swordandplough.com/
Inspiration from The Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.
We've been lucky to work with the Fisher House through the Ranger Group Foundation which is a proud supporter of the Fisher House™ Foundation, with Ranger Jones serving on the Board of Trustees.
"A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 71 Fisher Houses located on 24 military installations and 29 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design. "
To find out more about the program or to contribute to the Fisher House(TM), please visit www.fisherhouse.org
A Fisher House Opening in Arizona
A New Family at a Fisher House
Group Gardening at a Fisher House