Kilometers - Sat., Apr. 12

Today Susan and I did the Ft. Sam Houston Volksmarch, part of the Fiesta celebration in San Antonio. The length of our walk was 11K (6.82 miles). To convert kilometers into miles, use the following formula: # of miles times 0.62; e.g., 11 x 0.62 = 6.82.

Our walk started in the Ft. Sam Houston Army Medical Department Museum.

Susan in front of jeep ambulance

For rugged rescues.

Iron lung used to treat polio.

From the museum, we walked outside around the base. The base is so big that we didn't duplicate much our walk from two years ago. We walked past the Exchange and the Army Uniforms warehouse, past Fort Sam Houston Theater, and through many areas of officers quarters and homes.

MASH helicopter

A display in the museum explained about DustOff. These are the teams that work the helicopter ambulances, go into a battle zone and run to retrieve the wounded. If the medics aren't sprinting to rescue their wounded, they aren't considered worthy to be on the squad. Their goal is to get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Below is the shoulder sleeve insignia for U.S. Army Medics. The maroon and  white are the colors used for the U.S. Army Medical Department. The wings and serpent allude to the Caduceus symbol representing all medical services, and the sword in place of the staff
relates to the United States Army. The sword with point to base is symbolic of sacrifice and mercy, and alludes to the noncombatant role of the medical services.

 

Housing on base.

The Stilwell House was open to walk through. We enjoyed the period furniture.

Stilwell House living room.

After the Volksmarch, we drove to San Antonio Botanic Gardens and had lunch at the Carriage House Cafe. At the botanic garden, there are many purple martin birdhouses. The purple martins are currently in residence! Susan wanted to check out the Plant Sale and we did that, then headed for home.

Purple martin condo.

Beautiful color on the purple martins.

Tonight we are going to Shared Beat Crawfish Boil, a fundraiser being held at Random Event Center and Beer Garden. The funds raised tonight go to medical supplies, dental and vision programs, and scholarships to help Safe Passage, an educational reinforcement program serving families living around the  Guatemala City dump. The doctors, dentists, and nurses pay for their own trips to Guatemala. Shared Beat pays for the medical supplies and scholarships. A worthy endeavor.

Must go get ready for a fun evening.

Travel Bug out.