The holidays mean different things to different families. For some, it is a time of shopping, caroling and heading to the next party. For others, the holidays mean one less stocking hung, one less present under the tree, one less place at the dinner table.
Sarah Greene’s husband, Marine Corps pilot David Greene, was shot and killed during a helicopter mission in Iraq. She immediately felt the weight of responsibility to secure a successful future for their ten-year-old daughter Jena and eight-year-old son Wesley.
One person can make a difference. It's not only possible for one person to make a difference, it's essential that a difference is made. The possibility and chances to financially #easetheburden during the holidays are endless. Giving back can be done through a donation, or simply just by creating awareness.
Old movies like “A Christmas Carol” and “Miracle on 34th Street” take us through the story of loss, misunderstanding, discovery and redemption – except that, when someone is living with a loss, it’s difficult to get beyond act one during the holiday season. For those who have lost a spouse, a partner and a parent, the holidays can be a painful reminder that someone we love is not in the picture.
If you love snagging online bargains on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consider shopping on AmazonSmile, an amazing way to increase your gift giving. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know, but 0.5% of your purchase is donated to the charitable organization of your choice.
Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the influence of social media and collaboration. The day lands on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Dec. 1st, and kicks off the charitable season. The concept behind #GivingTuesday, is to create a day where giving to others becomes a priority.
The Veteran’s Day Celebration at HumCap was a huge success! We are thrilled to announce they raised $3,992 for Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots). The event consisted of fun for all with live music, a cookout and flags lining the street.
Peter Witt’s father, Daniel Witt, served in the Air Force, where he sacrificed time away from home and ultimately his life. He was often on tour for the Air Force for months at a time. Peter holds infinite respect for his father.
Amongst the glamour, a wonderful evening was had by all to ensure a future for gold star children. Last night, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation’s 7th Annual Greenwich Gala brought together active duty heroes, military family members and people from all walks of life who were compelled to support Fallen Patriot’s mission.
In 1998, just a few months after being stationed in Germany, Kelly Hall was killed in a training flight accident. Instantly, his wife Shelly, became a single mom to five children ages six and younger. The death of her husband left a huge hole in her life but it’s what her children have missed out on that really gets her.
Kylie was only 15 years old when her dad, Sgt. Kirk Avery Owen, died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit while on deployment. The death of her father has been extremely hard for her, but she remembers that her dad would still want her to make the most of the life that he fought for her to live. Sgt. Owen’s sacrifice means everything to Kylie.
“As a widow, life doesn’t go on the same way. Life without our family, as a whole, never gets easier. You find a new normal, and you just learn how to handle it in a different way,” explained Aimee Myers whose husband, Phillip, was killed disarming a roadside IED in Afghanistan.
Eric McNulty was only 16-years-old when his father, Michael L. McNulty, was killed in Iraq. Michael gave his life doing what he thought he must to make the world a better place. His sacrifice taught Eric that anyone who has the ability to do something has the responsibility to do it.
Emily Carnes is a mother and college student, but her biggest difficulty in life is living without her father. Her father, Clifford Neil Brackeen, passed away in a motorcycle accident while on his way to work at the Missouri Air National Guard.
In 2010, when Maria was in 8th grade her father, Stephen Carney, passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease only two years after he was diagnosed. Maria’s family watched helplessly as one of the strongest and most caring individuals deteriorated in front of them.
Kaanan Mackey’s husband Matt was serving in the Iowa National Guard when he sacrificed his life in order to save others. He was on federal orders and driving home from a drill weekend when he came around a bend and saw an accident. There were several people out of their cars and in the street. Instead of crashing into them, he swerved to avoid the accident. He fought to stay alive for 18 days, but didn’t survive.
Christopher Splinter, Rachel’s dad, loved being in the army. He was more than willing to deploy to Iraq in order to help, where he sadly passed away. Christopher passed doing what he loved, making Rachel a very proud daughter.
Paulette Joyce’s husband, Frederick Joyce, died from Agent Orange related brain cancer due to his service in Vietnam so many years ago. On the day the doctors told Fred that the brain cancer couldn’t be stopped, his deepest concerns were for his family that he was leaving behind.
Veterans Day is upon us; a time to be thankful for the sacrifices of past, present and future veterans.
