A Passion for Veterans

I met Dennis Reich through Hernando Senior Services. He called me after the meeting telling me that some group members could use my website link offer to promote their fundraising. While Dennis spoke up on behalf of others, it was as I absorbed more about Dennis Reich that I learned to appreciate his own personal efforts.

While working at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens, Dennis works with bereaved families at one of the most critical junctures of their lives. But besides helping people this way he has another passion that deserves attention. On November 15th I interviewed him about his work for Wreaths Across America. In the explanatory documents given me the WWA mission is spelled out.

“Wreaths Across America” (WWA) was born in 2006 out of a desire to remember and honor American Service Members for their contributions in preserving our freedom”

“Wreaths Across America is a 501c-3 organization founded in 2007 as a continuation of the Arlington Wreath Project”. The purpose is placing commemorative wreaths on as many Veteran’s grave sites as possible.

This is certainly echoed in the WWA Mission Statement:

Remember….………the fallen

Honor………………those who serve

Teach………………our children the value of freedom

Some 750 wreaths are destined to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery on December 10th.

I asked Mr. Reich what prompted him to devote so much time and effort to this group’s work. “Vietnam”, was his reply. When military members returned from Vietnam, some of which were his friends, Dennis was frustrated with the amount of disrespect shown by many for the soldiers just “doing their duty”.

As an amateur historian specializing in military affairs, I had to give Mr. Reich immediate respect for his time and effort in a selfless sacrifice.