July 2009

classy rack thrift stores • ugm motors • tshimakain creek campspokane’s union gospel mission • anna ogden hall • crisis shelter for women & children

1 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News

“You’re in a more urban setting. People are wearing regular clothes. It becomes a lot more personal because you’re in a lot of close quarter combat. You’re engag-ing the enemy in a room or an alleyway and trying to take over people’s homes. It’s difficult to distinguish between the enemy and civilians.” In the confusion, innocents were killed.continued on page 3...

“Foxtrot seven kilo.” With those fateful words, Mark Puelz, an 18-year-old flight platoon sergeant in Vietnam, sent three of his friends on a mission from which they never returned. “Munson. Jones. Tranzeo. Sometimes I wonder what they’d be doing now.” Mark, now 52, has stayed at the Union Gospel Mission for an extended time on more than one occasion, as have fellow Vietnam veterans, Bob James, 53, and Mike Van Horn, 59. Nationally, one out of every three homeless men is a veteran. A glimpse of their stories helps explain why. Bob went to Vietnam when he was 17. Out of the 150 men in his platoon, 25 came home alive. His brother wasn’t one of them. Bob described himself as bitter: “A lot of good men lost their lives over there, and it’s just swept under the rug.” Mike said he has been trying to shake a Marine mentality for 40 years: “I’m tough. I can make it on my own. I don’t need anybody else.” War changes people. When we stick yellow ribbon decals to the back windows of our cars and proudly proclaim that we “support our troops,” do we mean we support who they were when they left or the people they have become? “To be surrounded by death. It’s one thing to hear about it – even someone you know – but to actually see someone die, and when it’s someone you’ve become close to . . .” Mike’s voice trailed off. The problem of homelessness is not isolated to Vietnam veterans. James Escobar, 32, served one tour of duty in Afghanistan, two in Iraq. By his own estimation, the stress level was much higher in Iraq.

battle on thehome front

HEART TO HEART

Recently, my wife, Caryl, and I were sitting in a Florida airport waiting for a flight back to Spokane when a group of twenty to thirty uniformed soldiers deplaned and started walking down the terminal. As they walked, people rose all along their path and started clapping – a full, uproarious applause with hoots and hollers. We could still hear the applause after they were out of sight, and I can still feel the emotion of that moment.

We don’t have to be in agreement with every aspect of our nation’s foreign policy to show honor and respect to the men and

Greetings from Afghanistan! where it’s peb-bles, rocks and sand as far as you can see. I mean, there is simply nothing – no twigs, sticks, trees, bushes or shrubs. It reaches 103° by 10 am and only gets hotter as the day draws on. The sun – when it comes up each morning – is huge. Like a snapshot from the pages of National Geographic. I sleep during the day, which turns out to be a total of 4 hrs, and do radio watch during the night. I read my Bible daily and oh how I love to drink in the Word. Thank you for all your prayers and support. I cannot begin to say how much they mean.

Peace and blessings to you all!Ilya Blazinformer Mission resident

where it’s peb-bles, rocks and sand as far as you can see. I mean, there is simply nothing – no twigs, sticks, trees, bushes or shrubs. It reaches 103° by 10 am and only gets hotter as the day draws on. The sun – when it comes up each morning – is huge. Like a snapshot from the pages of

. I sleep during the day, which turns out to be a total of 4 hrs, and do radio watch during the night. I read my Bible daily and oh how I love to drink in the Word. Thank you for all your prayers and support. I

women who have chosen to risk their lives in service to our country. I have personally never chosen a profession that required putting my life on the line. I appreciate that they have. I believe that there is evil in the world, and that sometimes war is necessary to stop that evil. I also believe that war leaves behind devastation – devastation of the land where it was fought, devastation of the families who lost loved ones, and devastation in the lives of the soldiers who lived through it.

Our task is to lengthen our memories and concern beyond the day’s headlines or the night’s evening news. Our task is to remember our soldiers who have come home and to see them with God’s eyes as men and women who have literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

At the Mission, we are attempting to do that by providing food and shelter for homeless veterans, by offering trained counseling to men who have long suppressed their guilt, fear and anger, and by creating a safe community for broken people. Your partnership enables us to offer restored dignity to our veterans who have struggled to readjust to civilian life – men like Mark, Bob, Mike and James. They found a supportive community here because of your generous investment. Thank you.

Serving together,

Phil Altmeyer Executive Director

...continued from page 1James was stationed in and around Baghdad

on his first tour in Iraq and Fallujah on his second. The normal routine was to be actively engaged in continuous combat for 60 to 80 days at a time. Death and dying were a daily event.

“I was infantry. We attacked the insurgents. Our job was to go out there and get them before they got us. Kill the bad guy. There’s no time to sit back and ponder it or think about your feelings. You just do it.

“You see some things you just wish you never did. You do things you wish you never did. There’s no counseling sessions out there. There’s no . . .so what’d we do wrong here? No, it’s just keep moving. You see your buddies die and people getting maimed. And you’re just stuffing all these emotions.

“So when you come home, how are you supposed to react? How do you walk to a 7/11 or go to a movie store? You forget who you are . . . who you were before you became a Marine – before you became a killing machine.”

At the time of his discharge, James was diagnosed with a severe form of PTSD. Certain sounds – a car backfiring, a balloon popping – and certain smells – diesel fuel – would transport him back

to Iraq. “I’d start to see things in slow motion.

Then I’d get very guarded and go into tactical mode.

I’d be on guard – watching walls, corners, traffic,

pedestrians, w h e r e

they’ve got their hands . . . Are they a threat? I’d lose my hearing. If someone tried to talk me down, I couldn’t hear them.”

Hyper-vigilance is a common side effect of PTSD along with night-mares, flashbacks, depression, and angry outbursts. Afraid of what he might do to his wife and child, James left. Homeless, he eventually ended up at the Mission.

Here, countless veterans like James, Mark, Bob and Mike have found refuge, camarade-rie, acceptance for their woundedness, and help in fighting their demons. The Mission’s environment encourages them to let down their defenses. “It’s been a blessing knowing that there are people out there that actually care about you,” James said.

Chaplain Doug Munday is one of those caring people. He spearheads the Mission’s professional PTSD counseling. A huge part of his job is “simply listening” – listening and helping men to let go of the guilt, the anger, and the fear they’ve been clutching. “My job is kind of like walking someone through the valley of the shadow of death. I walk with them until they can meet Jesus and go on with Him. Then I walk back and get someone else.”

Please visit the Mission’s website (ugmspokane.org) for more information about homeless veterans and the Mission’s efforts to help them.

2 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News

...do we support who they were when they left or the people they have become?

HEART TO HEART BATTLE ON THE HOME FRONT

Post Card from Afghanistan

3 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News

Get InVolVeD

MInIStrY neeDS

• UPCOMING EVENTS •important dates for all the ministries

anna ogden hallWomen’s underwear– all sizes, esp. size 9 & upWomen’s socks, brasDiapers – sizes 5 & 6 Pull-upsSunscreen lotion –infants, children, & adultsBicycle helmets – adult and youth medium/largeBody washFacial cleanserMoisturizerRazors, shaving gelSwimsuits for women & childrenBeach towelsPasses for children’s summer programs(Cat Tales, rollerskating, etc.)

Men’s MissionShort-sleeved shirts (XL & above)SandalsT-shirtsQ-tipsJeansMen’s underwearTennis shoesToothbrushes/toothpasteRazors, shaving gelSunscreen

Donations can be dropped off atthe Mission, 1224 E. Trent, Spokane

Daily from 7 am to 6 pm

July 14 • Volunteer Orientation - 6pm - Union Gospel Mission

July 22 • Camp Open House - Tshimakain Creek Camp

July 28 • Volunteer Orientation - 6pm - Anna Ogden Hall

august 20 • Camp Open House - Tshimakain Creek Camp

4 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News 5 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News

Challenging yourself to take risks, teamwork, fresh air, exercise and laughter – these are a few of the goals heartily accomplished by our residents as they tackled the Spokane River for a day with Peak 7 Adventures. On separate trips, the women and men from our recovery programs donned wet suits, helmets and life jackets for a white-water rafting adventure aimed at creating camaraderie and trust. The day out also gave program participants a re-freshing break from the sometimes exhausting work of life transformation.

MInIStrY UPDate

White-Water Teamwork

The Union Gospel Mission and Anna Ogden Hall cel-ebrated the graduation of nine men and seven women in a joy-filled ceremony at Fourth Memorial Church on June 16. The culmination of years of hard work on the part of the graduates, the event also represented the ultimate goal of the ministries – men and women returning to society as God-dependent, contributing members. Each of the participants completed all five phases of the grace-based recovery programs, including six successful, addiction-free months outside of either shelter. Congratulations to all 16.

Graduation Celebration

ValuedVOLUNTEERS

Anna McGlade and her son, Jerry, both received Life of Service Awards this year – Anna for her 47 years working tire-lessly with the Women’s

Auxiliary and Jerry for his 35+ years serving on the Board and working with the troubled youth at the Juvenile Detention Center. What an example of one generation powerfully influencing the next in terms of sacrificial service.

Jewell Hoskins received the Ellen Funseth Award for mirroring the faithful service of the award’s namesake, the founder of Wom-en’s Auxiliary. Also honored were the 34 churches who earned Macedonian Awards because of their hard work on the Mission’s behalf.

oPen hoUSeJuly 22 & August 20

Witness the experience of camp!

Call to reserve a spot on the tour:509-535-8510

anna oGDen hall annUal awarDS fInalIStSRookie of the Year – Cara Switzer and Karen LewandowskiHelping Hands –Hazel FellowsMessenger of Hope – Patty HahnOutstanding Youth – Devann GilroyGroup Service – Supper Sisters Sojourn Teachers Award – Kathy LeeTender Arms Award – Ron and Loree MenschVolunteer of the Year: Susan Eastman

UGM annUal awarDS fInalIStS Rookie of the Year – Tyler FischbackHelping Hands – Mary Jane BlanpiedMessenger of Hope – Shelly AltmeyerOutstanding Youth – Desireé HannawaltLife of Service – Jerry McGladeAlbert Arend – Ron Hauenstein

MeMorIalS that lIVe on

6 Union Gospel Mission Ministries Mission News

In Memory Of: The Gift Of:Jerry anders: Robert JacksonGlenn & Maxine arrants: Garold & Kitty Shipleylori Bacon: Lou & Amy Moyer woodrow Bailey: Philip Marksbury rev. John Baker: Mr.& Mrs. Rex Walker, Lee & Judy Lefler Dale Barbour: Jean BarbourKen Batton: Georgie Batton fred Bell: Mary Scheideman, Dianne Geary Byron Benjamin: Edythe BenjaminStuart & Marion Benshoof: Carol & Jaime Haskell-ByronSgt. robbin Best: Marian PhalonJohn Birchill: Colleen BirchillGary Bird: Christine Hobbsruss Bishop: Bill & Kay CowinBeverly Bombino: Philip Marksbury robert Botts: E.M. Botts Clyde Boyle: Dale & Mickey CumminsSam Braun: Philip & Marilyn HeningerDel Bren: Ervin & Faye Weiler, Leanard & Vera Frerichs, Lawrence McGee, Richard & Anne MertensScott Brosvik: Jeannette Brosvik Steve Brown: Marilyn Mourer, Gene & Shirley Anyanlucy Browne: Kenny BrowneBill Buckley: Julie Hood Dale Burgess: Mr. & Mrs. Bill MillerClarence Chafin: Dolly Chafinlloyd Jr & helen Christensen: Lloyd Chris-tensen thelma Clark: Del & Bobbie Williams Violet Clark: Colleen PryorBetty & Clint Corliss: Anne Morristony Culp: Terry & Carole Culptodd DeBoer: David & Carrolann PerryDavid DeGraaf: Sandy Ramsey, Guy & Sylvia Perham Curran Dempsey: Janet Scarcello Velma eacker: Paul & Gail Eacker Keith ehlenfeldt: William Ehlenfeldtlouis ellis: Max & Shirley Kittermanlloyd etier: Bob & Vivian BurrellJack fischer: Bob & Jane PapstGary floether: Jerry & Kathy Walker, Philip & Marilyn Heninger, Apryl Wraspir Clarence fode: LaVerne Kautz Brian foley: Barbara Foley Dolores ford: John Hanke Donna Galbreath: Clete Galbreath Geier family: Sandra Geier oscar & Gladys Giedt: Wayne & Evelyn Russellesther Grant: Richard & Eileen StixrudJake Greenslitt: Jim & Marsha Greenslitt r.J. “Speedy” Gunsaulis: Clarence & Barbara Bennett

Jack hall: Mildred ChildersCrystal hamilton: Michelle Fuson Patti hanly: John Hanly Blaine harbaugh: Harold Meyers, Kristin Megylloyd harman: Karl & Esther Gabriel, Gene & Sandra Fiksdal Joe hartz: Rose Poutre Don hatfield: Patricia Delbridge, Boyd & Phyllis Edelin, Jr., Frank & Sandy Votew, James & Jewel Caldwell, Christian Men’s Bowling Leaguelydia Miller heimbigner: Cynthia Langenheder wanda hennigh: Gordon PetersonBeverly herman: Mary Scheideman, Dale & Shirley Culbertson/Richardson, Mr. & Mrs. Del-bert Moorethora Jean hess: Gail Parsonsallen hibbard: Family of Martha Hibbard harold hilliard: Connie Meyerfearn hinton: Del & Bobbie Williams alvin holman: Cheryl Holman Vura hudkins: Albert & Eleanor WesterhofBrennan huffman: Helene Huffman Buzz Irvin: Evelyn Irvin, Commodity Brokerage, Inc.Ken Jenkins: Adline Evettesalvina Johnson: Diana Redinger Billy Kay Johnson: Vern & Dorothy Eldereric Johnson: Mona JohnsonGlen Johnson: Norma Brzoznowski Paul Kembel: Lou & Amy Moyer Malcom Kerr: John & Betty Tunisonalbert & anne Kiefer: Patricia Severudrenee’ King: Suzanne BartonVirginia Klobucher: Christina Marie Johnson Charles “Skip” Knight: Tim & Patricia Roloff, Bill & Kaye Boone, Mick & Diane RiceDave larsen: Char Ferrante, Ken & Lois McMillan harry larsen: Marian Larsen Jack Mader: Mary ScheidemanDoris Mason: Alan & Susan Lesher, P. Joann D’Alessandro rev. Charles Mays: Dianne GearyJohn McCauley: Juanita McCauley Don McDavis: Bruce McDavisBob Mchoes: Laura McHoes lois McMillan: Jerry & Kathy Walker, Ivan & Eleanor Walter, Apryl Wraspir, Dolly Chafin, Terry & Kerry Schanzenbach, James Bonner, Viv-ian Zagelow, Frank & Noreen Groh, Betty Smith, Alice SchmiererDaniel Mitchell: Shirley Mitchell Mom: Johnson family wendel Morgan, Sr.: Jeff & Sandy Pylant Stevn Morris: Anne MorrisVerda Moss: Ruby Fox Daphne Motz: Elaine BottsMary newbern: Carmen, Leila, Margaret Ann, & Aaron

Jim oliver: Duane & Billie Jean WidmanGreg Papst: Kirby & Bill Olsen Maxine Peterson: Janet Grommetart Pfitzer: Lorene Bowling, Norman Bye, Mel-vin & Marjean Allerdings, Ron & Carla ThurlowVivian Polzin: Grace Everson Steve Pontius: Robert & Marilyn Pontius Jim & Ida Jane Potesky: John & Joann Sim-mons, Jeffrey & Shelly Potesky earl Poutre: Rose PoutreCarl radanovsky: Pearl Radanovskytom rettkowski: Del & Bobbie Williams winnie richards: Robert RichardsGene rieger: Merri Rieger Dorothy rosin: Spokane Valley Camera Club, Earl & Lorraine Anderson, Russell & Bettie Cowie Joe & rose ruscio: Elizabeth Ruscio ernie Sackman: Donna & Kermit Morrison, Don & Manchusa Schultz art Scarcello: Janet Scarcelloalfred Schaeffer: Barbara Schaeffer helen Seeman: Thomas & Lucy BrownKatherine Shamel: Eilene Warren, Linda Hagan Clarence Sheldon: June Sheldonalick Simchuck: Dick Schmidt Doris Simmons: Casey Getty Steve Smith: Jack & Karen Solidayharvey Stejskal: Linda Stejskal Don St. John: Dick Schmidt Patricia Stone: Christa & Pat Arguinchona, Har-old & Dolanne Brandt, Patricia Henningsrev. Paul Swannack, Sr.: Lloyd Johnson, Sheryl Scott-Johnson wil taylor: Edward & Dorene McDonald Irene thomsen: Ron & Carla Thurlow, Vern & Dorothy Elderlarry toner: Lois Huber larry Ulrey: Dick & Greta StueckleCap Underdahl: Suzanne Lonnhoward & Margaret Underwood: Kenneth & Lois McMillan robert Van Dyke: Robert & Betty Van Dyke Bill & Deloris wadsworth: Garold & Kitty Shipley robert walsh: Geraldine WalshGene walter: Philip & Marilyn Heninger floyd wherley: DJ & Carol Heinen e.l. williams: Scott & Christy Williamsrichard “Dick” williams: L. Esther Williams Sarah wynecoop: Janet Mummeyedwin & Irene Young: Pearl RadanovskySusan Zimmerman: Bruce Zimmerman

Given to Union Gospel Mission Ministries April 13, 2009 to June 5, 2009

Thank you for remembering others

through your memorials.