Marine Corps League

The Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto invited several Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group June 8 to improve morale for wounded veterans

PALO ALTO, Calif. (June 14, 2007) -- The eyes of 1st Lt. Derek C. Liu glistened with excitement as several fellow Marines in desert digital uniforms walked into the room where he was undergoing physical therapy.

These Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group made the 300-mile journey to the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital and presented 12 Nintendo Wii game consoles to wounded Marines June 8. In addition, a wounded Marine patient was also presented a check for $5,000. The game consoles and check were donated by retail company The Good Guys and were presented by members of 1st MLG.

“Donating these Nintendo Wii units to the hospital does more than just provide injured Marines with entertainment,” said Staff Sgt. Brian S. Judkins, injured Marine administration chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. “These game systems will help the recovery process with patients who have brain injuries by improving hand-eye coordination.”

Judkins and other officials hope to use the game systems to improve recovery times of patients and provide a way to boost morale with entertaining activities and games.

Chiefs of Staff, Cols. Juan G. Ayala and Mike D. Malone; Sgt. Maj. Steven J. Lara; and the family readiness coordinator, Marianne Espinosa, presented the donations on behalf of 1st MLG and The Good Guys.

After the presentations, the Marines shared a lunch with their wounded brethren, thanking them for their honorable service.

“I don’t have a family, so it is really good to see a Marine in uniform come visit us,” said Staff Sgt. Faoa L. Apineru, a patient at the hospital. Ayala presented Apineru with the $5,000 check donation.

“We genuinely appreciate what you have done and your service to the military,” Ayala said. “This is only a small way of everyone saying thank you for your sacrifice.”

A Marine with 1st MLG was recently injured by an improvised explosive device blast and placed in the care of the hospital. Officials took notice and decided to visit the hospital periodically to offer appreciation and spend time with the Marines. This was the start of several visits to the hospital. There are 10 Marines at the hospital and PTSD center that are being treated for injuries.

“You guys are important to us and are not forgotten,” Malone said.

1st MLG leadership visits heroes