Through my work at Operation Homefront, I have had many opportunities to meet the families who work so hard to protect our freedom. It’s one of the perks of being a part of a national nonprofit that serves military families.
I was particularly touched by Operation Homefront’s Military Child award winner, Brittany Wallace, and her family, led by wounded warrior Robert Henline. Staff Sgt. Melissa Dion – winner of our annual Military Motherhood award – and her son Ryan are also examples of strength and sacrifice. Then there are the dozens of wounded warrior residents who make up our Operation Homefront Villages in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio. Those injured service members and their families continually remind me of the high price of peace, and the courage of those willing to pay it.
Two remarkable young daughters of a National Guardsman have also paid tribute to the sacrifices of our service members. Alyssa and Cassy Gaddis were just 13 and 16 when they wrote and recorded “The Price of Peace,” a song that poignantly describes the sacrifices of our military families. You can hear the song under the video posted here which shows Operation Homefront serving our families.
We are grateful to all of our supporters -- especially to Walmart -- for making so many dreams come true today, tomorrow and throughout the year.
We’re particularly grateful to include the families of Fort Hood in this outpouring of holiday giving. Operation Homefront is headquartered in San Antonio, not far from where the tragic shooting occurred. Like you, we watched in horror as the events played out. Like you, we wondered what we could do to help. So we did our part and set up a fund designated specifically for the families of Fort Hood. Then so many others did their part by answering the call to help.
We wish many blessings to the military families who are separated by time and distance over the holiday season. We hold you in our hearts and in our prayers.