Army Staff Sgt. Alex Avery’s autistic son loved the Star Wars Lego set he got for Christmas. Legos are toys that Adam, their six-year- old, can play with for hours and they help him focus. The Lego set was one of several toys Alex and his wife, Alycia, received through Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive … Continued
Two years have passed since Amanda Schroeder’s grandmother died and for her grandfather, the adjustment of losing his wife of 56 years has been difficult. At Easter, when Amanda and her husband Matt, both Army veterans, picked up a meal from Cracker Barrel as part of Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meal for Military Families (HMFM) program, … Continued
Holiday Meals for Military Helps Family During Tight Financial Times As a military spouse and family readiness group leader, Jenifer Lestaht had often passed on information about Operation Homefront’s programs, including Holiday Meals for Military (HMFM). But she never felt comfortable using the services herself until this past Easter. Her husband, Army National Guard Sgt. … Continued
Holiday Meals for Military Gives Family Time to Spend Together Lani Folsom has only known military life. From growing up with a father who spent his career in the Coast Guard, to becoming a military spouse after her husband Petty Officer 2nd Class Codi Folsom also joined the Coast Guard. Currently a boatswain’s mate, Codi … Continued
San Antonio Shoemakers, a longtime Operation Homefront (OH), partner, kicked off their Holiday Meals for Military (HMFM) event during the Thanksgiving holiday. More than 400 families attended the event, which allowed Operation Homefront staff and volunteers to meet some new people as well as catch up with some longtime friends. One of the familiar faces … Continued
After a move from Arizona to the Portland, Oregon area for Tech Sgt. Justin Bartlett’s new full-time job with the Air National Guard, the whole family, including his wife Holly and their three kids, were without their usual support system. Justin had been gone for three months for training, returning right before Easter. Holidays in … Continued
Angela Walter volunteers as the facilitator for the Operation Homefront Hearts of Valor (HOV) group in Colorado. The statewide group comprises more than 100 military spouses and family members who care for their wounded warriors. In Colorado Springs, where Walter lives, about 20 caregivers meet monthly. While other groups provide wonderful one-time opportunities for caregiver … Continued
Airman’s Daughters Look Forward to Back-to-School Brigade Omar Mangome Senate was 30 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force. It was something he had always wanted to do but because his mother was sick, he had to keep pushing back. By the time he was able, his age meant he needed a waiver. … Continued
Army Sergeant Retires Near Family in Arizona after Village Stay Retired Army Sgt. Marcos Claudio comes from a family of veterans—he was the third generation to deploy, and his daughter, in the Air Force, is now the fourth. He first began his service in the Army National Guard but in 2007 he decided that he … Continued
A Home for Battle-Weary Marine Veteran Brings Peace and Healing During Marine veteran Marshall Henderson’s time in Iraq, he served during two of the most volatile events during the Iraq War — the country’s first democratic parliamentary election in 2005 and the Second Battle of Fallujah. “It was the hardest and longest battle I ever … Continued
