As part of an on-going event series we call Pasta and Paint Night, Freedom Alliance once again gathered injured service members and their caregivers in the USO Warrior and Family Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

These recreational evenings include a delicious pasta meal—finished with our traditional lemon cake—followed by art instruction from painter and teacher Elizabeth Brunsman.

August’s art project featured an American flag. In the past, we have painted with Elizabeth beaches, landscapes, and even R2D2!

Elizabeth brought along her mother, Anita, and brother, Christopher, who was recently accepted into flight school after graduating the Naval Academy. While Anita and Christopher helped provide the students with supplies and assistance, Elizabeth illustrated, step by step, how to paint the flag.

As well as celebrating the coming arrival of Elizabeth’s first child (due in November), we had the bittersweet experience of saying farewell to three families we’ve come to know during these Paint Nights. Some of these families have been at Walter Reed for more than two years while their loved ones recuperate from serious injury.

We give them all our best on their departure from the hospital and hope for continued healing. You are in our thoughts and prayers no matter where you are.

Always, at the end of a Pasta and Paint Night, we leave not only with a beautifully painted canvas, but with echoes of the laughter and memories of time spent with good friends.

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