Testimony #3

One Nation!Saturday Nov 19, 2005 is a day I'll never forget-

When the 2005 Raider schedule was released I noticed that we played the Washington Redskins on Nov 20th. I placed a circle around that game as a target-- a game I definitely wanted to attend.

After several phone calls-- and with help from friends Raider Ron and Hard Core… I had a ticket and ready to go.

As the date approached, we discussed plans… places we wanted to visit during our stay in D.C. Ron had mentioned that maybe a visit to Walter Reed Veterans Hospital with Raider players was in the works. And that I could be added to the visitor list. Being a veteran of the Vietnam War, I really wanted to be a part of this visit… to return the favor to the U.S.O.

When I was stationed on The USS Midway CVA 41. I made a stop in Korea… the U.S.O. had scheduled a concert on the ship with Frank Sinatra performing. I always hoped one day I would be able to return the favor.

I had made arrangements to print up 250 Orange County Boosters towels to pass out. I was looking for that special scripture to place on the bottom right hand side. When I contacted the hospital to ensure this would be ok. I was advised that due to Government Regulations, this was not allowed. I didn't really understand these regulations since both documents from our founding fathers referenced the word God our Lord in them-- The Pledge of Allegiance and The Constitution of the United States of America. But if I wanted to pass out the towels and be a part of this event, these were the rules.

Early afternoon on the 19th… Saturday, we went to the hotel where the Raiders were staying. A limo picked us up along with Raider players--Shane Lecher (punter) and J.P. Forchi (Running Back). And three Raider Executives and trainers. We had been advised that the section of the hospital that we were going to visit was for service men and women that had lost limbs and were in rehab.

We were escorted to a conference room area. Where we prepared to meet and greet these warriors. The Raiders brought a few dozen balls and hats. And I had 250 towels for the players to autograph.

When the U.S.O. personnel opened the doors… we weren't prepared for what was about to pass us. These young men and women maybe 19 or 20 years of age… without arms or legs, loss of vision… all caused by road side bombs.

As each one of these warriors passed us. I expressed my thanks for what they have done to protect our freedom. They shared stories and to my surprise not one person expressed regret. But thanked us for visiting them.

I know many if not all of these warriors believed in God. And I wish I could have found the correct scripture to put on the towels-

Later that day…I got the feeling that John 15 verses 12 and 13 would've been fitting for this particular occasion… " This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"-

Say a special prayer for our troops overseas.

Larry Garcia
President of the Orange County Booster Club