Stories of Our Families

Cuu and Erica’s Story

My husband has been deployed twice in the past six years. His first deployment to Afghanistan was difficult on my children, then 5 and 11. When two soldiers in my

husband’s unit were killed, they took it very hard. Erica’s performance in kindergarten was a disaster. Cuu gained 30 pounds in a few months and his grades dropped drastically. I thought my husband’s second deployment would be easier, but I was wrong.

It was as if our home had a big dark cloud hanging over it. Everything in our home that didn’t brake on the first deployment broke on the second. Our well system failed three times. The phones (both land and cell lines) stopped working and all of the family pets died (two dogs, one cat, and one guinea pig). On top of this, my husband’s unit was attacked yet again. Fortunately no one was injured, but the children once again had major problems in school.

During both deployments, my kids received grants from Our Military Kids. The first time, Erica got a grant for dancing lessons, and Cuu received a grant to play an instrument. The second time, Erica took karate lessons and Cuu received SAT tutoring. During both deployments, these activities were extremely helpful distractions for our children. It took their minds off the danger their father was in and allowed them to do things they would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. Our kids have had to grow up fast because of these deployments. Our Military Kids has helped me keep them on track.”

Chase’s Story

During my deployment to Kuwait, Our Military Kids awarded my son, Chase, a grant to participate in the 48th Annual Stephen Foster Music Camp. My son looks forward to this music camp each year – talking about it from January until June. The camp allows him to be exposed to other kids who share a similar love of classical music. For two weeks, they come together on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University with music professors and grad students who help to challenge, mold, and invigorate them. Hundreds of hours of hard work are put in by all and their concerts are magnificent.

My deployment has put a damper on our finances and I am unable to work extra shifts at a second job. I was not sure if we would be able to afford to send Chase this year. Our Military Kids allowed just that. Thank you for helping Chase while I am serving our country.

Trysta and Ethan’s Story

My children received grants to participate in gymnastics when my husband deployed to Iraq. Gymnastics provided Trysta and Ethan with the encouragement they needed, and with their father’s absence, it kept their minds busy with positive activities. We both noticed their attitudes improved and their anger of having an absent parent decreased, and their grades in school improved as well. We still continue our relationship with the gymnastics group and anytime my husband deploys, my children know there are other adults who are there to support them. In addition to the emotional support of the grant from Our Military Kids, it provided necessary financial support, as we would have been unable to afford to enroll our daughters in gymnastics.

The support has continued on both levels since my husband returned home due to the fact that he is part of the Wounded Warriors unit. This is especially helpful because the children and my husband can have a positive activity to do together that helps everyone adjust to life with obstacles.

Sherrise and Steven’s Story

When I deployed to Afghanistan, my two sons received grants from Our Military Kids to participate in a summer basketball program. Basketball is their passion and keeps them focused, serving as a positive distraction for them. I am a single parent and their father does not have much interaction with them. When I deployed, they felt as they had lost both parents. I promised them I would find a way to keep them involved in the activities they love, and with the help of Our Military Kids, I was able to keep that promise.

My kids have done a wonderful job this summer and performed remarkably. When they are stressed out, my daughter experiences high blood pressure and my son becomes depressed, but neither one of them experienced stressful moments, and I am so grateful to Our Military Kids. The program allowed them to be involved in positive activities instead of getting in trouble and being rebellious. I did not have to worry about them while I am in Afghanistan. I can’t express my gratitude enough.