Staff Sergeant Josh Waddell returns home
By Barbara Adolfi
Having done one tour of duty in Afghanistan from July ’04-July ’05, Josh Waddell, a medic with the Reserves, was called again to serve from September ’07 – May ’08. During the tour in Afghanistan Josh tended to many casualties and was very much a part of the combat unit. This tour was more varied. Attached to a unit of 400-500 troupes in Northern Kuwait, Josh accompanied that unit to provide medical support during incursions into Southern Iraq. In addition to direct medical support, Josh reports that he had training and leadership responsibility for medics and was involved in house-to-house distribution of blankets, medical supplies, space heaters and shoes and toys for children in Iraq. He particularly noted the poverty of the people and came home with a deeper appreciation for how much we have in the United States. His wife Heather gave birth to their second son, Hayden, the day before Josh began his trip home and he is very happy to be back with his wife and two children. Josh is a member of the Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad to which he brings a high level of medical expertise. We welcome Josh home to Sperryville and transition back to civilian life.
Emergency Medical Services Bike Ride
Did you see 110 bicycles and support vehicles in our village recently? Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad, in cooperation with the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department, hosted 100 bike riders completing the trip between New York and Roanoke for the 14th Annual National EMS Bike Ride. In Roanoke spouses and children are acknowledged in a ceremony that recognizes and honors those who have died in the line of duty. The SVRS squad was happy to support this effort and provided water and a place for the participants to have a break before continuing to their next stop, Skyland in the SNP and ultimately to their final destination in Roanoke.
Rappahannock…Photographers’ Paradise
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for top quality photography instruction by master educators with Blue Ridge Workshops on July 12 . Using Old Rag Gallery on Main Street as home base, Elliot Stern and Mike Arnwine will take participants to one of our most beautiful properties in the county where there are unlimited photo opportunities of bees, birds, wildflowers and scenic views. The June 6, 7 and 8 workshop is sold out, so don’t delay to register for the July, or even the October 24-26 workshops. Go to www.blueridgeworkshops.com for more detailed information about all their upcoming workshops in Rappahannock County. This is another example of responsible tourism that brings visitors into Rappahannock County to respectfully enjoy our resources while, at the same time, booking into accommodations, eating at local restaurants and stopping at other shops. Thanks to Old Rag Gallery for supporting these workshops