So for those that may not have read about my new project earlier here's what it is. Tebo and I felt it was terrible that the military doesn't pay for our soldiers to go home before and after deployment. That money comes out of their pockets or family/friend's pockets if they come home. Not all soldier's families can afford to help them get home so if they can't pay for it themselves then they just don't get to go home. That broke our hearts. Chad was lucky that if we couldn't afford a ticket from time to time that either family or friends had ways of getting him points or buddy passes to get home. Well, I knew after Dec. 1st that I couldn't imagine not having that time with Chad before he deployed to Afghanistan and I was so thankful to have that time and just soaked up every minute with him I could that I told Tebo that it is my mission that no soldier/family had to ever worry about that again. In our opinion the military (our government) should be the one to foot the bill for them to go home before and after deployment. I understand if they want to go home at other times to hang out with friends or just be home for a long weekend that they should pay their own way (that teaches them responsibility anyway), but pre and post deployment leave should be the exception. With that in mind I told Tebo I wanted to start a Charity to raise money to be used for these soldiers to go home before and after deployment. So today I had a meeting with someone I have trusted and admired at Tyson Foods for a long time, Russell Tooley (I don't think he would mind me telling his name) and shared my idea with him. He got as excited as I did and just started brainstorming all these great ideas and even apologized a time or two for taking over. I said that's why I brought this idea to you to help me get started because I knew you would jump in with both feet. He felt this was indeed a need that was not being met and he is all in. He will start with making some contacts and finding out what we do first to get things started and then who knows. This thing could take off like wildfire and our soldiers may never have to worry about a pre or post deployment plane ticket ever again. Wouldn't that be the most amazing thing and I can think of no other way to honor our Chadman than to make sure every family is as lucky as we were to soak in every second they can with their loved one. This is for you my baby boy. Love, mom
You don't know me, but I have been silently following your blog for the last month or so.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason you're story has hit home, and I can't imagine the emotions you are struggling with. Your idea for the charity is amazing, and I'm sure it will take off. You have inspired my husband and I to donate our services to building homes for injured soldiers and their families through "Homes for Our Troops." We live in San Diego (and have friends currently serving overseas), so it only seems fitting that we help.
Having said that, let us know if we can help. We own a new construction company and would love to donate when we can to your cause or even just to spread the word.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Kelly
Kelly@commercialplumbingsys.com
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ReplyDeleteHi Tami, You don't know me either. I work with your high school friend Tammy Garrison Jones. I was so saddened when she told me about your son. I have a son serving in the Army in Afghanistan right now and another son in the Air Force deployed to Oman. You are so right that the U.S. Government should be paying our troops way home before and after deployment. It seems like the least they could do and it is expensive to fly back from overseas. Thank you so much for starting this and thank you to Tyson as well. This is so awesome.
ReplyDeletePaula Davidson
Hi Tami,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I'm a friend of a friend of Katie's...if that makes sense. Anyway, I have been following your blog since December and you've frequently been in my thoughts and prayers.
I think your idea of starting a non-profit that allows soldiers to come home on their R&R is wonderful and it sounds like you're really getting rolling. I was thinking about the concept and an idea I had was that maybe you can get frequent flyers (business travelers) to transfer their airline miles over to a soldier for the R&R. Maybe it's also possible to work with the airlines to negotiate a reduced-fare or reduced-miles flight for soldiers assisted through your program. I would bet that the Make-a-Wish Foundation could be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to discussing working with the airlines, since so many of the wishes granted involve airline tickets.
Just a few ideas I had that maybe you hadn't considered yet. I can't wait to read more about your project and help in whatever way I can! Please let your readers know what you need as the project gets more advanced because I'm sure there are lots of us who would love to get involved.
Take care!
Lindsey Stevenson
*Edit to previous comment: pre-deployment leave, not R&R! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much. I will be following up soon with a new update in about a week! This is so exciting and thank you for your support and encouragement.
ReplyDelete