The Sarah Emma Seelye Auxiliary 1 held a Hot Chocolate Christmas Brunch for patients in the Nursing Home Unit at the Michael DeBakey Medical Center in Houston on Saturday, December 12. Assisting the Auxiliary were members of the Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lea, USN, Camp 2. Each veteran was given a beautiful Christmas gift bag filled with much-needed items.

A light brunch of sandwiches, chips, Christmas cookies, candies, hot chocolate and cider was served. The Auxiliary and Camp sang Christmas carols for entertainment, and brothers went around talking and sharing with the veterans. The Auxiliary also recently held their 8th annual Sock and Blanket drive, using the donations for the veterans’ Christmas.

Front Row (left to right): Auxiliary Guard Guide Sister Sue Lenes, Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer Jana Marsh, SUVCW Department Commander Stevenson Holmes, Auxiliary President Vali Reyes, and Camp Brother Melvin Myers. Back Row (left to right): Auxiliary Chaplain/Patriotic Instructor Betty Hampton, PCC Samuel Hampton, Camp Commander Thomas Coughlin, and Brother Michael Rappe

Wreaths Across America

Members of the Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lea, USN, Camp #2 attended the Wreaths Across America event held at Houston National Cemetery on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Click here to view the complete photo gallery of the event. Wreaths Across America has 1,000 cemeteries in the U.S. and 25 cemeteries overseas that participate in the annual program.

20151212_8123 — Past Department Commander David LaBrot (right) and Camp Junior Vice Commander Michael Lance (left) lay wreaths at Houston National Cemetery

In spite of the rain, the Houston event was a big success. Over 10 cargo trucks filled with wreaths arrived for volunteers to lay across the graves of fallen soldiers. The number of volunteers continues to grow each year, as does the number of wreaths delivered thanks to generous donations by Houston residents and corporate sponsors.

Members of the Lea Camp have participated in the annual Wreaths Across America program at the Houston National Cemetery for the past 11 years. Houston is second only to Arlington in the number of veterans honored each year with wreaths laid at their final resting places.

Lea Camp was represented by Brothers Tom Eishen, David LaBrot, and Michael Lance. Joining them was Sarah Emma Seeyle Auxiliary Sister Linda LaBrot. Camp Brother John Loper and Karl Falken attended the ceremonies as volunteers with other organizations.