Each month, the members of Tryon United Methodist Church highlight a specific outreach opportunity that has been adopted by the church. Throughout August, however, the congregation set aside its original schedule to focus on the needs of one of their own, Staff Sergeant Adam Palmer, who was gravely wounded in a roadside attack in Iraq on July 14.

&bsp;In addition to sending letters, cards, gifts and a giant scroll to Adam at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., members of the congregation created an information-oriented bulletin board and began a fund drive. By the end of the month, they had collected $5,117 to help Adam and his young family as they continue the long, complicated and painful process of recovery.

Speaking to the congregation on behalf of the fund organizers, John Albree noted that although he did not know Adam Palmer as well as many others, he could easily identify with all he has been through. &dquo;I have such a deep respect for Adam&squo;s severe wounds and his painful recovery process,&dquo; said Albree. &dquo;I have been there to a lesser degree.&dquo;

Palmer&squo;s grandparents, Alice and Dr. Robert Palmer, conveyed Adam&squo;s appreciation for all the support shown by the church and the larger community, and they report that their grandson is making progress. Adam has just been cleared to put some weight on his right leg, and he is gaining some ability to flex his knees.&bsp; Third degree burns on his back continue to heal slowly.&bsp; In light of these and other improvements, Adam was recently transferred to a private room in the medical center&squo;s rehabilitation facility. &bsp;

Albree asks that everyone remember that Adam has a long road of recovery ahead of him.&bsp; &dquo;Keep his address handy in your home,&dquo; he says, &dquo;and drop a card of encouragement to Adam from time to time.&dquo; That address is:

SSG Palmer, Everette A.

CHOSEN BTRY WTB

Walter Reed Medical Center

6900 Georgia Ave.

Washington, D.C. 20307

The Adam Palmer Fund established at the Tryon branch of Bank of America remains available for additional contributions.