Military Mom, Veteran Grateful for School Supplies
Navy veteran and military mom Velayna Payne was excited to take her 9-year-old son, Dorian, to their first Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade® event in Huntsville, Alabama.
She had looked for events previously, but none had been in her area. The event did not disappoint.
“Everyone was really friendly. We went to each station that they had set up,” she said. “They provided materials and board games, along with the backpack and supplies. It was really nice.”
Velayna was one of 120 people registered for the July event. Families were treated to Girl Scout cookies, United Through Reading books courtesy of the Child and Youth Programs for the Alabama National Guard, fun game kits, along with personalized backpacks filled with school supplies. The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville helped support the event.
Since its inception in 2008, BTSB has given away over 550,000 backpacks.
“Having an organization where donors give and children can benefit is a beautiful thing.” – Velayna Payne, Navy veteran
Velayna knew about Operation Homefront programs because she is a graduate of the Permanent Homes for Veterans program.
Velayna had hoped to have a career in the Navy after joining in 2012.
However, in 2016, she was told her contract would not be renewed because there were already too many sailors with her job description of operation specialist. It was the military equivalent of being laid off.
“Emotionally and mentally, it took a toll on me,” she said. “That’s why I was so unprepared and unstable.”
Velayna graduated from PHV and was deeded the home in 2021. She continues to attend school and move toward her financial goals. She said family support programs like BTSB not only help financially but show her son that there are people who care about military children.
“I would want donors to know that their gifts and their donations are very much appreciated,” she said. “Having an organization where donors give and children can benefit is a beautiful thing.”
