Veteran Dad Appreciates School Supply Support
Paul D’Agostin enlisted in the military in 2003, following in his father’s footsteps. Paul opted for Army instead of Air Force, but he had the same sense of purpose and drive to protect. He also planned on a military career.
He deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. He and his wife, Angela, married about 15 years ago and they have three kids, ages 12, 9, and 6.
Everything changed in 2020 when Paul found out he would be medically retired as a staff sergeant after just over 17 years.
“I got hurt overseas, and my body just started to deteriorate,” Paul said.
Paul now works in IT, and the family lives in Huntsville, Alabama. During their time in the military, the family had utilized Operation Homefront family support services, including the Holiday Toy Drive and Back-to-School Brigade®.
“We are forever grateful.” – Paul D’Agostin, Army veteran
The family most recently attended a Back-to-School Brigade® event in Huntsville in July. Paul and his family were among 120 people registered for the 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 delivered over 535,000 backpacks to military children.
“The kids loved the book bags,” Paul said. “They really liked the pencils, pens and little kits of supplies.”
Paul appreciates donors who focus on the entire family. He said he tries to frequent businesses that he knows donate to Operation Homefront.
“We are forever grateful,” Paul said. “We don’t forget, and we are very grateful for the support.”
