On September 5th, the Army staff directorate in which I worked at the time of the attack (ACSIM) had a small gathering in the Pentagon Chapel for a remembrance service for our co-workers killed that day. From left to right are Mrs Jan Menig, COL (Ret TW Williams, Micki, Mrs Van Antwerp and myself. The ACSIM family had a great day together to remember Cheryl and Sandi and the camaraderie we shared.
On September 11th, 2008 Mel and I were privileged to visit Brooke Army Medical Center, which houses the military’s only burn center. Chaplain (COL) Dan Moll invited us to attend a remembrance ceremony that morning; we were able to visit with the chapel staff as well as medical staff and then visit with wounded servicemen and women in the burn center. I am pictured here with Chap (CPT) Van Dress, our escort for visitation. Please continue to pray for our men and women who are recovering from serious injury.
In October I was privileged to join a dear friend Bobby Little, Director of Christian Embassy, in Jacksonville Florida for an evening dinner. Bobby’s ministry with Christian Embassy encourages national leaders throughout DC in all branches of government.
In October the Brazos Corvette Club chose Face The Fire Ministries as the benefactor of their annual car show. The show was wildly successful in funds raised primarily due to the efforts of club members. Pictured are Brian, Mel and Matt along with Show Director Carol Harris, and Club President David Penwell. The club was very generous to our ministry and I wish to thank not only David and Carol pictured here, but John Boyd and Randy Trice for their generosity to our ministry.
In October, I was privileged to visit Liberty Baptist Church in Durham NC. Pastor Cox and his staff’s hospitality were exceptional as I joined them for a patriotic series.
In November during Veterans Day week, I was honored to visit with 1st Nazarene Church. My hosts were Pastor Dennis and Mrs. Kathy Mihalik. I enjoyed a great time of fellowship with they and their spouses and most of all the many veterans present for the evening.
After the Veterans Day service and recognition at 1st Nazarene, I was honored to join in some fellowship with other burn survivors from the local Canton area. There were many common aspects of our respective stories and we enjoyed a great deal of camaraderie in our shared experiences.
Just before Thanksgiving, I was pleased to travel to California in conjunction with an appearance on Trinity Broadcasting Network, to visit the Grossman Burn Center in Santa Ana. Grossman is one of three Burn Centers that service the greater Los Angeles metro area. I was privileged to visit with three of their patients, one of which was from an allied nation in our current war on terror. After our round of visitation, our ministry presented a gift of $5,000 to Grossman. Accepting the gift were Meredith Rattay, Director of Outreach along with three of their nurses on duty, L-R Rocio Cerna, Ruby Bishop, and Rebecca
On April 21st, Brian met with his fellow American Legion members of Post 278 in Granular and discussed his personal experience of September 11th. Pictured are Current Post Commander Maurice Simpson and Past Post Commander Jim Osborne.
A short video of the Birdwells http://birdwell911.com/video.htm
In conjunction with my visit to Durham, I was privileged to visit the Jaycee Burn Center, with whom we have a great relationship, hosted by Chap Massey. During the visit I was honored to visit with two of their patients, who both happened to be veterans of previous wars.
He is married to the former Melva Collins of Davis, Oklahoma.
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