By: Michelle Mondo Here at Operation Homefront, financial literacy is a cornerstone of our programs. Recently, at a Hearts of Valor retreat in San Antonio, Texas, caregivers learned about budgeting from Critical Financial Assistance caseworker Tonya Cooper, also an accredited financial counselor. During one retreat session, she went through the steps of creating a budget … Continued
Today, we remember and honor our service members. On Memorial Day, our nation remembers and reflects upon the loss of the service members who have had a profound impact on preserving the freedoms we enjoy daily. By honoring the memory of their service, we sustain the spirit of these fallen heroes. And, we also remember their families, who sustained … Continued
While we typically celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our active duty members and veterans, I think we must also include those who have sustained their service – their families – as they have served alongside their loved ones.
Every Mother’s Day, I take a moment to look at my life and reflect on how great it is. It’s been over 15 years since I lost my leg to a roadside bomb in Iraq and I can honestly say my life is better now than it has ever been. I am a proud mother, wife, Veteran, elite athlete and motivational speaker. … Continued
Last week, Operation Homefront hosted our 2019 Military Child of the Year® recipients, our Magnificent Seven, and their families in Washington, D.C. for a three-day celebration. Let’s take a look at their activity packed time in our Nation’s capital. But before we do, it bears repeating how incredible these kids are! This year’s seven honorees … Continued
Elisabeth Lundgren was selling Girl Scout cookies when she suffered her first injury. She was already experiencing mysterious pain in her leg, but it was when she bent down to grab a box that the pain sharpened. Her knee gave out. Elisabeth underwent surgery for a bucket handle meniscus tear in her knee. That type of cartilage … Continued
Maryland high school senior Campbell Miller had just started his Eagle Scout project to improve the school’s track for the cross country team when he got the news. His mom, National Guard Col. Allison Miller, had a new assignment. The family would be moving to Ohio. It was my third time moving to high school. And while Campbell always looked on the bright side of moving, he did not want to … Continued
When 13-year-old Jaxson Jordan found out that he had been named the 2019 Marine Corps Military Child of the Year® he got a coveted prize—his older brother’s favorite Operation Homefront hoodie given to recipients five years earlier when he also won the award. “It’s time for me to welcome you into the MCOY family,” Jaxson said his brother Michael-Logan told … Continued
Children who have a military parent are often wise beyond their years. Many learn from a young age to be independent and resourceful because of their experiences moving around the world and living in different cultures, combined with the increased responsibilities they must assume when their parent is deployed. Kylie McGuire, the 2019 Coast Guard Military Child of the Year® Award recipient, is a good example of how belonging … Continued
Award-Winning Army Teen Embraces Many Roles, In Life and On Stage Elisabeth McCallum Polleys’ passion for acting has exposed her to diverse roles, giving her insight into different eras, ways of thinking, and styles of interacting. Her love for theater is among the many facets of Elisabeth’s life that have made her an informed, well-rounded … Continued
