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In my travels around downtown, I’ve noticed more and more young soldiers (and their families) coming to Silver Spring to shop, dine, and relax. Many of the hotels are offering discounted rates to the families of patients at Walter Reed. That, in conjunction with the proximity and the variety of choices available, certainly make it an attractive destination.

On one occasion, I sat next to a young man at Austin Grill who was spending breaks in Silver Spring between offering tax advice and assistance to some of the patients at Walter Reed. I stood in line behind an entire family at Giant pushing an (obvious young war veteran) amputee around in a wheelchair. And just last night played pool next to a wounded vet and his girlfriend at Galaxy Billiards.

I’m curious, especially in the midst of the recent issues at Walter Reed, why I haven’t heard much press about these people becoming part of our community – albeit perhaps a temporary state of affairs. I could very well have glossed over a story in The Gazette or one of the other blogs, but I think it’s fantastic that our little suburb can provide a place where these young men and women – and their loved ones – can find a place to help bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives.

As the weather continues to improve and downtown traffic picks up, I hope to get out and speak to some of these people and find out their stories and what kind of effect Silver Spring has had on their recovery and rehabilitation. If you have any insight or know someone who has found a second home in Silver Spring after the war, drop me a line. I look forward to reporting back in the near future with what I find.