CHRISTMAS 2016
HAMLIN: Home for Christmas
According to CPT Josh Curtis, one soldier under his command, PFC Hamlin from Mississippi, "volunteered for the US Army for patriotism, honor and to give back to this Nation." She saw it as a way to continue educating her self to make for a better future.
Hamlin also financially takes care of her mother and 4 siblings back home. Being that the economy has been weak for the last 8 years she sends home a good portion of her pay to assist her family's financial instability. Hamlin's stress helping back home is elevated because of her mothers poor health that keeps her from working.
The selfless acts of serving the country and supporting her family can be a very mentally taxing endeavor. Since her family is dependent on her income Hamlin could not afford to save the money to go home for Christmas.
The sacrificial giving of the donors to Operation H.O.M.E assured Hamlin arrived home in time for Christmas 2016, much her family's joyous surprise.
AN OVERJOYED MOTHER
Mike from Florida had no money to get home for Christmas 2016. Operation H.O.M.E. helped Mike get there. However, only Mike knew he would be home for Christmas......his mother had no idea.
Watch and try not to smile.
HEALANDER: Give and it shall be given to you!
Operation H.O.M.E. had just overnighted 16 packages to the 2016 recipients for travel home for Christmas. Not yet even 1 mile from the FedEx drop off and a phone call came in from Chaplain MAJ Hall about a PFC Healander.
During the year 2016 Healander's home town was devastated by tornadic weather. His parents' home was destroyed and the roof was ripped from his sisters house. Healander offered his house trailer to his parents and sent money back to his sister to help replace her roof.
Because of his sacrifice to his family he could not save the money to go home for Christmas.
Operation H.O.M.E. sent out the 17th package immediately to get Healander home for Christmas.
