Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, and her husband Dakota Meyer teamed up with Rev. Franklin Graham to encourage wounded military veterans and their spouses as part of the "Operation Heal Our Patriots" program, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse.
According to the ministry, the family spent several hours visiting and conversing with 10 military couples who are spending this week in southwestern Alaska where they are "learning about God's principles for a healthy, biblical marriage-especially on dealing with the stress that comes from combat injuries and lengthy overseas deployments."
Graham, who heads Samaritan's Purse, shared a video of the meeting on his Facebook page and thanked the family for their participation in the event.
The 64-year-old evangelist revealed that Meyer, who received the nation's highest military award-the Medal of Honor- for his heroic actions during the battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, told the couples, 'No matter how many deployments you have, you come back from battle a changed person...Take the time here to work together, and you can leave with a better marriage.'"
According to the organization's website, "Operation Heal Our Patriots" is dedicated to restoring families of veterans who have been injured or wounded in active duty since Sept, 11, 2001.
Samaritan's Purse started the "Operation Heal Our Patriots" project in 2012 and more than 600 couples have participated since then. Many on the staff are veterans, and marriage retreats are held at Port Alsworth, Alaska, at Samaritan Lodge.
The veterans currently participating in the Operation Heal Our Patriots project this week are reportedly suffering with a variety of injuries and health issues, including an amputation, shrapnel to the back, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Graham shared how Gov. Palin encouraged the soldiers and their spouses to "keep a firm commitment to their marriage, and never give up on each other. You have to give it all over to God and put it in His hands. Keep your souls open to Him. It will change your life."
She added, "This week, you're going to learn the process for your marriage to endure the tough times and have the tools to make it work. You have to give all over to God and put it in His hands. Keep your souls open to Him. It will change your life."
In the video, Palin, whose oldest son is also in the military, discussed how the meeting affected her: "These guys deserve all our respect," the politician said. "If it weren't for them protecting our freedoms, sacrificing all, willing to sacrifice all, we wouldn't be here today. The men and women who are out here this week, they're going to hear about Christ. They're going to hear about His sacrifice and His willingness to give all for all of us."
