Raised by a career Naval Officer of 32 years, I was taught
from an early age about the importance of supporting our brave men and women in the Armed Forces. We did so with letters and
cards, visits to the VA hospital, and Toys 4 Tots.
At age 4, my son began telling everyone within ear shot, he
wanted to be a Navy Seal or in Special Ops.
His senior year of High School proved to be a busy one. Though
he had grown up in the blink of an eye, and many changes had taken place .... one had NOT. He stood before me and said, "I
want to be a Marine." When asked why ? He replied, "I was born and bred to be "One of The Few, The Proud, a United States
Marine."
While other parents prepared to send their sons and daughters
off to college, and spend sleepless nights wondering if they were playing too much and sleeping too little... I joined
the ranks of military parents. We spend our sleepless nights worrying if they are cold, hungry, sick or hurt.
Marine parents have a tradition, "No Marine Stands Alone".
On graduation day, those without family are given a gift bag and included in a fellow graduate's family. Taking it a step
further, doing something never done before, each new Marine in my son's platoon was given a gift bag.
Although, a huge task had been accomplished, it was not enough.
I wanted and needed to do more, so I dug my heels in and began my search.
With help from friends in the military and DOD, I was able
to adopt deployed troops in the "sand". What started as a small way to say "Thank You" quickly grew beyond
my wildest dreams.
While I am lucky and my Son is still safe in the States, many
struggle daily with fear for their loved ones deployed far from home in harm's way.
The need is great and requests for help are endless.
So PLEASE join me in helping...
"Support Our Troops"
