Colorful CASF artwork heals the soul Published July 21, 2011 By Linda Frost 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Servicemembers injured overseas and transported to the 59th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here will get a warm welcome upon arrival, thanks to the generous contributions from community members in South Texas. Donations ranging from colorful artwork to snacks and toiletry supplies have flooded the unit in support of the mission to provide medical care and a comfortable holding area for wounded warriors while awaiting transportation to their final destination. The CASF opened June 13 at Wilford Hall Medical Center and is referred to as a "contingency" facility since it is not part of the 59th Medical Wing's permanent mission. It will remain as along as patient flow mandates the need. "The out-pouring of support has been 'as big as Texas' in so much we too, want to give something back and are looking for ways we can support the local community and the organizations that have reached out to us," said Col. Debora Esque, commander, 59th CASF. When patients enter the CASF, they are immediately welcomed by hand-drawn sketches and paintings that line the corridors with about 40 images of children's artwork reflecting stories of their military heroes. The setting aims to provide inspiration to the wounded warriors and a connection between the troops, home and the citizens they serve. The art contributions have many different sentiments that range from "Brave and Strong" to "Awesome and Super Hero." "The children managed to capture all that we wanted to say to our wounded warriors in crayons and watercolors," said Tory Johnson, WHMC's interior designer. "Each piece has a different message, a different theme, a different style, but they are all individually beautiful." Tory admits that picking a favorite is impossible. "There is one by a Lackland student of a boy hugging his mother's legs while in uniform with a caption that reads 'Thank you Mommy.' It reminds me that these aren't just patients, they are families too." "Another light-hearted piece of a stick figure simply states 'Get Well Soon with Healthy Guy.' It brings me a smile every time I walk past it," expressed Tory, who was instrumental in acquiring nearly 400 art submissions from San Antonio schools. Tory says the illustrations are likely to boost morale and help the patients get out of their beds and into the public spaces to enjoy and converse about the artwork as part of their healing process. All pieces were done in standardized sizes, and the frames are designed so that the backs can be removed and the artwork changed out. "Our hope is that at some point each and every submittal will be on display, as funding for additional framing becomes available," she said. Other donations such as bottled water, craft items, blankets, games, cards, magazines and much more came from organizations such as the American Red Cross; USO; Blue Star Moms of San Antonio; Pennies from Heaven; Wounded Warrior Program; Help Hospitalized Veterans; and private donor gifts. The WHMC Volunteer Services office is still accepting donations in support of the CASF. For more information, call 210-292-6592.