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Monee Veterinarian's Act Of Kindness To Military Dogs Is Reciprocated

Dr. Lynlee Wessels and Animal Wellness Center "honored" to accept flags she says are "a gift to my father."

Karen Haave  /  August 4, 2011  /  Views: 386  /   1 Comment

A popular Monee veterinarian's generosity to war dogs in Operation Iraqi Freedom was reciprocated on Saturday with the presentation and raising of two flags, given by the Joliet Marine Corps League.

League members also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Lynlee Wessels and her father, Army veteran Ed Wessels.

Dr. Wessels is the owner of Animal Wellness Center of Monee at 5750 Industrial Drive. Ed Wessels is practice manager there.

The Center was recognized during ceremonies on Saturday for its donations to working military dogs in Iraq.

Dr. Wessels, whose husband, Scott Marhanka also is a partner in the Center, said the presentations and flag raising were "a gift to my father."

She noted that their donations were not limited to money, but included "food, treats, whatever they needed" for the dogs.

"I have a lot of friends and family in the military. We wanted to do something to help.

"I am really honored," she added, "that they (the Joliet Marine Corps League) would come out on a Saturday to make these presentations."

During the ceremony, JMCL Commandant Bill Welch presented an American flag and the POW/MIA flag, which was designated by the 101st Congress in 1990 as "the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for the families and the Nation."

The POW/MIA flag's message, Welch said "is spread through its visibility" and "has flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. With the exception of the American flag, the POW/MIA flag is the only flag to fly over the White House and continually over the Capitol's rotunda.

Welch also recounted the history of the American flag, "born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia" and representing the "eternal principles: liberty, justice and humanity."

After both flags were attached and raised on the flagpole, Welch said, "In the name of the citizens of Monee and the United States of America, I now dedicate this (American) flag. I dedicate it to the memory of those in the military who guarded our inland seas and ocean coasts, and fell in defense of the flag, who fought for our hillsides and valleys and plains, and fell in defense of the flag.

"I dedicate it to all the citizens who fought for the authority of the Constitution, and fell in defense of the flag.

"I would now ask those present to bow your heads in a moment of silence in memory of those who served under this flag, and to honor the flag itself."

Concluding the ceremony, Welch presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Wessels "for loyalty and patriotism to our country as exemplified by publicly and proudly displaying the U.S. flag."

The Animal Center of Monee had been recognized previously by Col. Christopher Fulton, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, in a Certificate of Appreciation.

Fulton wrote that the certificate was "for exceptional and meritorius service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The donations you provided were delivered directly to the military working dogs and their handlers operating in the heart of Baghdad.

"To say that these 'war dog' teams were thankful for this act of generosity would be a gross understatement. Through acts of kindness, such as yours, we are building the good will that will shape the future of a stable, peaceful and free Iraq.

"Those of us serving in Iraq send our gratitude to you, as well. Although we are far from home and families, we are reminded of the goodness and compassion of the American people," Fulton wrote.

"Thank you for your continued support and patriotism.'

The flags presented on Saturday will fly continuously on the Animal Center of Monee flagpole.

Also participating in the ceremonies were JMCL members Dale Frederick, Jeff Dement, Raymond Clark and Rick Hunt.

Other guests included Animal Wellness Center staff members Joe Schmelzer, Donna Nadalin, Cathy Welch, Mandy Holt and Karmalyta Lang.

The Animal Wellness Center of Monee pledges pet care "celebrating, protecting and sharing the special love of an animal." But the facility also shows an exceptional sense of humor with a wall plaque above the receptionist's desk that proclaims, "Unattended children will be given a cup of espresso and a free puppy."

More information about the Center is available by calling 708-534-2200 or visit www.awcm.net.

--karenhaave@comcast.net

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Jen

on August 4, 2011 at 13:03

Well deserved. I've been going to this clinic for years and they are so professional and friendly. I'm glad to see they are being rewarded for their efforts to "give back". Congrats Dr. Wessels and staff.

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