America's Heroes of Freedom | www.americasheroes.us

Home

Operation Restoration - April 2005

A wounded Marine gets his hair cut at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort in San Diego.

(4/3/05) America’s Heroes of Freedom served the wounded and ill troops recovering at Balboa Military Hospital. Soldiers, Marines, and their spouses were treated to a day of pampering: massages, pedicures, facials, hair styling, fine dining, and live entertainment. The event supported by Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and Titan Corporation was held at the Coronado Island Marriott. We also want to thank Congresswomen Susan Davis for her support and attendance at the event. The event provided a strong boost in morale or as Leslie Berberniss, wife of Cpl. Nick Berberiss said of her husband's recovery, “There were days where we’d get so caught up in his treatment that we missed simple things like haircuts for example,” said Leslie. “You don’t realize how much you neglect yourself until something like this happens. I’ve never had a spa day. They made me feel like a princess.”

This endeavor was covered by the The Navy Compass newspaper.

Photos by David Valdez.

A wounded Marine enjoys a massage at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort in San Diego.

Another wounded Marine enjoys a massage at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort.

A group of wounded Marines and their wives were treated to salon and spa services for the day.

Two wounded Marines enjoy the Sunset Beach Bash with Congresswoman Susan Davis at the Coronado Island Marriott Restort in San Diego.

A large group of wounded Marines and their families enjoyed the Sunset Beach Bash held at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort in San Diego.

Marines Get Pampered at Coronado Marriott
Friday, April 08, 2005
By JO1 (SW) Jason McKnight - Navy Compass
Source: http://www.navycompass.com/news/newsview.asp?c=153258

SAN DIEGO - America’s Heroes of Freedom (AHOF), a not-for-profit organization, treated local Marines to a day of pampering, April 3, at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort during an event called “Operation Restoration/Cinderella.”

Wounded Marines from Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) and their spouses were offered free manicures, haircuts and styles, pedicures, massages, and personal grooming gifts.

AHOF President Susan Brewer said she became dedicated to helping service members through events like this the first time she saw wounded personnel coming off a C-17 transport plane.

“Being able to experience the wounded on a personal level was a rude awakening,” said Brewer. “I consider it an honor to help them.”

Marine Capt. Paola Hayes, platoon commander of the medical hold platoon attached Headquarters Service Battalion at MCRD, said, “It’s awesome to see the support the military is getting.”

Hayes said she knows that her Marines’ days at NMCSD undergoing treatment for their injuries aren’t fun or nice, so events like Operation Restoration/Cinderella help them get through.

“They’re giving us the works, and I know this isn’t inexpensive. This is a big deal,” said Hayes.

Cpl. Nick Beberniss, formerly a mortarman for 2nd Battalion/7th Marines, said he had been at NMCSD since August 2004, recovering from an improvised explosive device attack which fractured his left leg and rib cage, shattered his right foot, broke four vertebrae, and punctured his right lung.

“Doctors here told me they didn’t expect me to be able to walk again,” said Beberniss. “But I am now, and I’m trying to recover fully enough to stay in the Marine Corps.”

Beberniss said throughout his stay at NMCSD, many organizations have helped the wounded keep their spirits up through activities like Padres ballgames and fishing trips, but this was the first time he’d ever had a day at a spa.

“I’m loving it,” said Beberniss. “It makes me feel like I’m appreciated. I’m thankful for these people who take time out of their day to come out and do this for us for free.”

His wife, Leslie, said the day showed her how much they had been neglecting themselves since his injury.

“There were days where we’d get so caught up in his treatment that we missed simple things like haircuts for example,” said Leslie. “You don’t realize how much you neglect yourself until something like this happens. I’ve never had a spa day. They made me feel like a princess.”

Leslie said her spirits were definitely brightened and that the watching macho Marines get pedicures was a funny thing to see.

Keri Carter, wife of Sgt. Chad Carter, said she never knew people helped Marines and their families like this, she knows now that people do care.

Cpl. Bradley Collier, also from the medical hold platoon, said he enjoyed being pampered for a day.

“I just got my first pedicure, and I feel like I’m walking on pillows,” said Collier. “(This whole event) is wonderful and a blessing from God.”

Collier said it was nice to have what he felt was truly sincere thanks and appreciation from everyone involved in the event.

“Just the idea of someone donating their time shows great care,” said Collier. “People don’t realize that they count, no matter how unimportant they think their contributions are.”