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Community Corner

Helping Hands and Big Hearts Make a Difference Year-Round

Active duty injured and wounded Haley patients invited to attend Rays/Red Sox game during their road to recovery

When Bob Silah, a U.S. Navy veteran, returned from the Vietnam War, he and his fellow soldiers received a chilly, if not downright hostile, reception. 

Silah, who lives in Carrollwood, recalls being warned about wearing his uniform ashore, as angry protestors shouted insults such as "war mongers" at the cavalry. For many, the return home to American soil was not the peaceful scene they had envisioned. 

“I understand that it was a sign of the times, but it was very unsettling,” said Silah.

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Thanks to Silah, founder of Operation Helping Hand and CABA member (and former CABA President), times have changed and military men and women that arrive at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital receive a vastly different homecoming. It's one filled with love, warmth and gratitude. 

Though he admits to dedicating much of his time to OHH, he also carves out time for his business, Sky Sportswear Inc. (5022 Barrowe Dr.), which specializes in embroidery and screening of caps, t-shirts, sports shirts, and more.

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A Tampa resident since he was transferred to the Bay area in 1985, Silah’s military career began in the reserves during his college years.  He entered active duty in the mid-60’s and retire in ’88.  Married to a former Delta employee for 43 years, he and Katherine have two sons: Michael, a Navy pilot stationed in Washington, D.C., and Jason who works in marketing and lives in south Tampa.

Seven years ago, the Marquette University graduate met Dr. Steven Scott (medical director at the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center) at a Haley event. Scott shared the hardships that the families of the wounded and injured were facing. 

Many had no place to stay and some even bunked in their cars because they couldn’t afford a hotel, meals, and other costs associated with traveling.  At the time, Silah was President of the Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers Association (MOAA).  The Board of Directors loved his idea and endorsed the formation of OHH.

It all starts with a Welcome Kit. Valued at approximately $900 each, these are presented to the patients upon their arrival and include a variety of items such as prepaid credits cards and VA coupons that can be redeemed at the facility’s amenities including the cafeteria and barber shop.

According to Silah, OHH stays in contact with Haley social workers, who relay requests from the patients and their families. 

Requests range from rental cars to phone cards to a day of relaxation and distraction at the Florida Aquarium.  The organization’s popular “Fly Away” program pays for round-trip airline tickets for any immediate family member regardless of their origination within the U.S. or abroad. To date, they have spent over $175,000 on airfare alone. 

Boarding is supplied by the 21-room Fisher House (located on the Haley campus), a no cost “home away from home” for military families.  Operated by the Department of Veteran Affairs, this no cost facility has served more than 12,000 families since the program originated in 1990.

“These men and women are an integral part of our community, and it’s wonderful that Tampa embraces their contributions," said Carolyn Clark, public affairs director for James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. "The price that they have paid for all of our freedom is visible thanks to Operation Helping Hand, and that’s just awesome."

Though individual donations have slipped recently due to the fragile economy, some of the area’s largest corporations continue to support OHH’s programs, including the much-anticipated monthly dinner.  According to their e-newsletter, the dinner’s purpose is to: “let the active duty patients and their families know that we recognize, support, and thank them for their sacrifices and for what they have done for us.”

This year, contributing individuals and business have included: Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Bank of America, TECO, and Booz Allen Hamilton, among others. The next dinner, scheduled for September 15, will be sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Dave Andreychuk, vice president of fans and business development (and former NHL player) will be in attendance along with his staff members helping serve meals. 

But the Lightning isn’t the only area sports team to support OHH.

Several times a year, Silah invites a group of active military to St. Pete to cheer on the Rays. This season’s final visit will fittingly take place on Sunday, September 11, as they take on the Boston Red Sox. 

Thanks to the team and their senior advisor Dick Crippen (also an honorary MOAA member), 40-45 patients (and caregivers/staff members for a total of 60 people) will occupy the largest arena’s largest suite located in the upper left field.  Fit to accommodate wheelchairs, the lavish suite will also include a hearty buffet for all to enjoy.

“When we there in August, catering department personnel met our wounded soldiers and later returned with the wonderful news that they were going to pick up the tab; they refused to take our money,” said Silah. 

According to Crippen, the club began “Macdillville” several years ago, which is a special 24-seat section “right behind the relief pitchers” are reserved for active duty military personnel at each home game.

Though the day’s agenda hadn’t been confirmed just yet, Crippen is certain the group will be acknowledged on the billboard and PA system, which always generate a hearty round of applause from the fans. Game day hosts will also conduct interviews with several of the patients, after several on-field presentations, including a steel beam from the World Trade Center site and the unveiling of an oversized American flag. 

“Because of the sacrifices they have made, it’s always a special day when we have active military and/or veterans here at Tropicana Field,” said Crippen.

Want to lend a hand to Operation Helping Hand?  Click on this link for an overview of the organization’s needs, and information on how you can donate. 

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