Back-to-School Brigade Helps Military Family Stretch their Budget Codie Maile describes herself as an Army brat. Ten years ago, when her husband, also named Cody, decided to enlist in the Army, she knew even better than him what to expect. The moves, deployments, and stretching a budget. She was ready for the adventure. The couple … Continued
Army Major Richard Star enlisted in the military in 1988 and after 30 years of service he was still going strong until a terminal cancer diagnosis in June 2018 changed everything. His career and way of life was over. He and his wife, Tonya, moved into housing at Walter Reed where he started treatment. While … Continued
As a full-time caregiver for her veteran husband, Amy Miracle does not get a lot of time to herself. That is just one reason she decided to attend a recent Homefront Celebration in Nashville. The event is an opportunity for military spouses to meet new friends, enjoy good food and entertainment, and have a night … Continued
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
