Do You Still Wear Red on Fridays?

By Bev Woods, RRDH

A former client of mine found me on Facebook the other day and messaged me to see when they could book and appointment for their dental hygiene care with me at my Independent Dental Hygiene Office.

Since they had not been into the office for a year they were unaware that I had sold my practice and moved to Dover, Delaware. Disappointed yet curious, they then proceeded to ask me why I had moved and what was I doing in the USA.

Here is my reply.

Dear Client,
Just over a year ago my husband, who has 32 years active duty Air Force, was relocated to Dover Air Force Base. It was a wonderful opportunity for him, but what did it mean for me? It meant that I had to sell my practice that I spent so many hours building and polishing to make it so successful. I was excited for a new chapter in my life to unfold but at the same time, I was saddened that I had to leave my clients behind.

Once settled in our new neighborhood, and unable to work as a dental hygienist in the United States, I needed to find my purpose. I have always worked at something that allows me to care for people, so I set out to see what kind of volunteer work I could join.

This Air Force Base is much larger than Trenton AFB; I first went to the USO centre at the passenger terminal to volunteer. This was a great job as I was thrilled to assist to the families and soldiers that pass through the centre on their way to and from missions. While working there, I soon realized what my calling was! Tragically, I discovered that Dover AFB is the home base where all the American fallen heroes are welcomed home. It is referred to as a Dignified Transfer. In Canada, we refer to it as a Repatriation Ceremony held at Trenton AFB. I signed up as a volunteer immediately. The outpouring of grief and support I felt by my fellow volunteers when fallen soldiers were arriving home daily was unbelievable. Months have passed and sadly, I have seen far too many heroes come home. Currently I hold the VP and Volunteer Trainer positions for the Friends of the Fallen Organization here at Dover AFB. Our mission is to ‘provide support, service and items of comfort to families who come to witness the Dignified Transfer of their loved ones.’

The honor I have been blessed with to be a part of this distinguished mission has undeniably changed my life in so many ways. I realize now that I am not the same person who left Canada a year ago.

I have been touched by so many new and tender hearts that have taught me how important it is to leave a positive footprint behind for others to follow. For that, I am forever grateful.

To put it all into perspective, my once cherished memory of that bright eyed two year old little girl coming into my dental hygiene office for her first dental hygiene visit has now been replaced in my heart with the image of a beautiful little two year old wiping her mother’s tears with a tissue as they await the arrival of her daddy on the tar mat. He would be the one in the transfer case draped with the American Flag.

I am thanked everyday from the families of the fallen after they leave our centre for the care and compassion they received for the short time they spent on the base. However, it is I that is truly thankful for the ultimate sacrifice all our fallen soldiers have given no matter the color of the uniform. Freedom should never be taken for granted nor should the men and women who fight for it.

We all have choices in life, both in our professional and personal lives. Our decisions sometimes define our behaviors. Twelve short months ago, I thought I was giving up my life to come here, now I am humbled because I realize that the reason I came here was to be shown the most important lesson of them all! Sometimes the best path in life is not the one staring us in the face.

I would like to share with you my sign on my new Highway to Heroes:

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. ~Og Mandino

Please remember to thank a soldier whenever you are able, and take the time to Wear Red Every Friday.

Bev Woods RRDH
IDHA
FoF Vp & Volunteer Trainer