Operation Amber Waves

By Robert Bauer

Washington DC- About eight years ago, Hannah Bauer, my daughter, was a middle school sixth grader in Amber Lucchiani's class. Amber was a young and passionate civics teacher, who loved teaching. She loved shaping the minds of the future in a way only she can do. However, Amber had another passion, a love for the American veteran and she shared this passion enthusiastically with her students. Through her passion she inspired her students to be more than who they were and to commit to something bigger than themselves. As a result she experienced her students giving up their weekends to join her at the Martinsburg WV Veterans Medical Center. Sadly though in July of 2012 Amber lost her life in a tragic auto accident. This sent shock waves through her students, fellow teachers and her family. But her passion for Veterans that she had instilled in her students would live on. They continued to serve the veteran community in so many ways. But it was Hannah's desire to continue the great work that Amber had started at Martinsburg. For over six years she had dreamed, planned and prayed that she could could keep the vision alive.

On December 9, 2018, with the precision of a finely tuned military operation, Operation Amber Waves converged upon the grounds of the Martinsburg, WV Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Hannah, her mother, her mothers colleagues from Navy Federal Credit Union, the Brother Bound Independent Motorcycle Montani Chapter, family and friends carrying over one hundred gift bags. The group met in the hospital lobby to coordinate the operation as to where and to whom the gifts will be distributed. What was about to commence was going to be more than a gift giving operation.

CS Lewis once defined humility as "not thinking less of yourself, but thinking less of yourself". Hannah, now a college sophomore has never forgotten the lessons that her one time teacher, mentor and friend taught her in sixth grade or the impact she had on her life; "there is always something bigger than you that you have to obtain". This particular Sunday in December of 2018 was not about her or for her. It was about the passion that her teacher instilled in her for the the Veterans and the love she has for her departed teacher. She wants to carry on the same vision and passion as Amber.

We were humbled by our visit to the long term care ward. Here is where the oldest and feeblest of veterans reside. While on the floor we met veterans from World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars. In fact, we were honored to meet Mr. Clark who is one hundred and five years old. It is believed he is the oldest living WWII veteran. While visiting this floor we encountered many veterans who were excited that we were there. Many do not have family or friends any more. Many are poor and alone. We had the privilege to be invited into one room where a Navy veteran was excited to share with his story of his days on a Navy Destroyer, he was in his eighties and was bedridden. Another room we were invited to visit was a women in her late sixties. She is suffering from dementia. As we entered her room we say a frail little women that was curled up under her covers. When we were in her room she would peek over the top of her covers trying to determine who her visitors were. As we moved through the halls we had a very chipper Army veteran in a wheel chair chase us down. He wanted us to see the decorated Christmas tree in his room. As we entered his room he informed us that he lost his hearing years ago and could not hear our responses. Sadly most of these veterans on this floor will spend their final days here. So our visit meant more than we could imagine.

Our final stop was to the PTSD ward. We met the Veterans in the Recreation Room where we chatted with them, played pool, ping pong and watched football. These Veterans represented wars as far back as Vietnam, up to and including our current campaigns. Their ages ranged from mid twenties to late sixties. These men shared stories with us how the PTSD has destroyed their lives and families. Unfortunately, many of these men have no family or friends that were visiting them or supporting them. They stated they appreciated our visit as much as they enjoyed the gifts.

As we concluded Operation Amber Waves, we gathered in the facility parking lot vowing to do this again next year, promising to make it bigger and better. We all returned to our cars and headed to our homes. As we drove down the highway I found myself reflecting on the days events and how we impacted those veterans at the medical facility. I can say that those that had never been a veteran or interacted with one in the past may not have grasped the importance of this visit and the gifts that were left. After all there was a time that these men and women endorsed a blank check made out to their country that was payable up to and including their life. Those from Vietnam returned home to an ungrateful nation and since 9/11 many have experienced the gratitude of their fellow Americans. Though there are many that still feel betrayed and abandoned, visits like today give them hope.

Yet in all of this there is the reality that Operation Amber Waves has rekindled the vision and passion of Amber Luchiani for our Veterans. I am sure that Hannah was transported back to a time when she was twelve years old, visiting this facility for the first time with her teacher. I am confident that Hannah felt that Amber was giving her a thumbs up for bringing hope to the men and women that once served this country with honor and dignity. In closing, Hannah implemented the standard that was taught to her as a sixth grader"there is always something bigger than you that you have to obtain"

About the Author:

Robert Bauer is a retired law enforcement officer that once served his country in the US Air Force and US Army. He is the founder and chairman of Warriors Heart USA a Christ centered organization that acts as a spiritual compass for those trying to navigate through the traumatic minefields towards a more meaningful life. We are here and listening as we believe a man's soul is worth fighting for.

In addition he is also the CEO/President of Robert Bauer Associates, a firm that offers training in leadership, that builds character, confidence in the personal and professional development.