Project Update! 3

Oh my! We are getting so close. I met with Russell yesterday and it was a fabulous meeting. We just have a few more "To Dos" to get done and we will be off and running. We are thinking big here people! We need to make sure no one military member misses out on seeing their families before or after deployment. It is mine and Tebo's dream/vision that this goes global and every US Armed Forces gets to love on their loved ones and they love on them on pre and post deployments. I've said it many times and will continue saying it as long as I have to... I cannot imagine not having had those 9 precious and wonderful days with my baby boy before he left for Afghanistan. Now, the biggest thing on my heart right now is making sure everyone of my bonus boys from Chad's unit/company gets the chance to go home after deployment. If you can only imagine how much these boys need this right now. If you can't, just think on this for one moment. I don't know if you read the Wall Street Journal article about what these young men went through when Chad was KIA. I chose not to read it at this time, but if you did, then you will have to know that the band of brothers is an amazing thing all in itself, but I don't believe their "true" healing will begin until they are home with their families and loved ones and can wrap their arms around them. That's when the truly healing and grieving for these young men will begin. Can you just imagine one or many of them not being able to go home because they can't afford it? That breaks my heart! I don't know about you, but just imagine how lonely and sad they would be on top of all they've just been through if they couldn't go home. It makes me want to cry right now, but if we all band together much like this band of brothers do everyday and put a little hard work and money of course together what a difference we can make in their lives? Many people are unaware that they have to pay for these tickets out of pocket and I do think there is a false idea that our military make all this money. Let me tell you (from the Marine Corps perspective at least) that they really do not make that much money. Yes they have to pay for their rent, utilities, etc. so they are not living for free. They have to pay for much of their uniforms and accessories that are required. Yes, some of this is tax deductible, but really? Do you think it truly helps them in the here and now? Not so much. We have been so blessed (mainly directly contributed by my precious husband) to be able to help Chad get home, but these other guys don't all have that kind of support and privilege. They are also too proud. How do I know this? Well, there was one of Chad's buddies that didn't think he was going to get to go home before deploying to Iraq so we offered to pay for his ticket. He wouldn't accept that offer, because he was too proud to take a hand out. This will be a way to have an avenue for these young men and women to accept some help without feeling like they are taking a hand out and trust me, there won't be one military personnel that would take advantage of this service and not give back! That's what these guys are made of. They might take the opportunity to receive some help, but they will give back 3 fold! This is paying it forward folks. We need to do this especially in the wake of a potential government shut down. Can you imagine our men and women fighting in this deadly war and finding out that their paychecks my not come? Really? That's what we want them worrying about while they are fighting while we sleep in our nice comfy beds, take vacations, eat a nice meal every day, and go to work freely? I don't know about you, but this keeps me up at night and the thoughts of anyone in the military in the midst of combat/war not getting paid makes Tebo and I want to go to Washington and fire everyone up there if they truly do shut down. They do NOT want me coming over there! It will not be pretty. Spread the word and help us with this! Help our fine men and women of this country get home! Also, if you are truly interested in having a role in this project let me know. There just might be a place on a committee that you could fill and we will be happy to have you. Thank you and much love to all and above all else, pray for our troops for their safe return and that they never miss a paycheck. Hoorah!