Potomac Local Leaders
Manassas police Officer Heather Munsterman was injured after she was struck by a car earlier this month during a traffic stop. After suffering fractures to her ankle and pelvic area, a dislocated shoulder and a concussion along with severe bruising across her entire body, Munsterman is recovering.
Now, with the help of family and friends, a special benefit is planned to help raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.
I spoke with Team Heather Munsterman spokeswoman Michelle Merritt about Munsterman’s recovery, and about the upcoming event.
Vickers: I had the honor of meeting Officer Heather Munsterman at the Guinness World Record event in Manassas a few months back. With the recent news of her accident, can you tell us how she’s doing?
Merritt: Everyday brings a new obstacle. Things that we take for granted, like brushing our teeth, are a full workout for her. She has a long road ahead of her, but with the support of Team Heather Munsterman and her positive attitude, she will pull through this like a champ.
Vickers: Who is Team Heather Munsterman and what’s the purpose of your group?
Merritt: Team HM is the heart of this Community. It was formed to show a visual support system for Heather, to demonstrate to her how much this community and her friends and family stand behind her. We also want to promote awareness against texting and driving as well as the “slow down and move over” campaign.
Vickers: In supporting the men, women and families of law enforcement , how can we make a difference?
Merritt: The job of law enforcement is to keep the community safe. To be able to do that, they need everyone to obey the law, communicate to law enforcement when a law is being broken or if someone is in danger and to respect the officers and their job. The citizens can support injured law enforcement by supporting the charities set up in their name and spreading the word.
Vickers: When I heard news of Hopes for Heather involving a three on three basketball tournament , I knew you had a great idea. What’s the layout for this dynamic community event?
Merritt: Hopes for Heather is a multi purpose event. First and foremost we want to raise awareness for the dangers of texting and driving. This has been a danger to the public for such a long time and finally on July 1, the bill was passed making the a primary offense. Secondly we want to give the community an outlet to show their overwhelming support for Heather.
Since launching the Facebook page we have over 1600 followers. This alone shows the support this community has and Hopes for Heather is just one venue to show that.
The layout is simple: A three on three tournament, running in 15 minute blocks. We will also have a shoot out challenge for all ages using the G Team Sports automatic shooting machine. This will be a family friendly event as we will have lots of vendors, concessions and a moon bounce.
Vickers: What can we do to support Officer Munsterman over the next few months?
Merritt: Become a follower on Team Heather Munsterman on Facebook. We will have every fundraiser for her posted on there. But it doesn’t take money to be a supporter… An inspiring post, a funny picture or words of encouragement go a very long way.
Thank you again for taking the time to tell your story. We’re looking forward to a healthy road to recovery for Heather. Remember that texting and driving impacts more than just the driver, it can wait. Lets come together for this great cause and join Team Heather Munsterman on Saturday, August 3 from noon – 4 p.m. Make sure you register today hopes4heather.eventbrite.com and follow their Facebook page. #hopes4heather
Potomac Local Leaders series are the stories and interviews with the men, women and youth that through their commitment to community change the world each day.
Glenn Vickers is Regional Director of the Prince William/Manassas Boys & Girls Clubs. His experience in creating sustainable private/public partnerships for social change is his passion. Strengthening philanthropic resource development, corporate citizenship and business operations keeps him busy. Follow him on Twitter @GOVickers. Enthusiasm is contagious.
