If you know me, I am a huge advocate of our Military, past and present. My husband deployed twice during his time in the United States Marine Corps. Long story short, his second deployment was brutal. I was 7 months pregnant expecting our first, when I received a phone call that he and 3 others were seriously injured and 1 had lost his life. All I knew was that he was “ok” and was being transported to another base for treatment, and that he would call me when he could. I was horrified. I was sad, and scared. I had so many emotions running through my mind. I finally heard from him a few hours later. I could tell in his voice he wasn’t ok. He sounded weak and tired, sad and lost. A suicide bomber had attacked his unit. Killing one of this brothers and seriously injuring 4 others, himself included. Anyway, since this day in Iraq, life is a constant struggle for him. For me. and our family. PTSD is so real. So many young men and women don’t get the help they need after going through such traumatic events after a war. Himself included. A few weeks ago we went to see Marcus Luttrell author of Lone Survivor speak during his Patriot Tour. The book and movie were incredible, and if you haven’t seen it you need to. Every. SINGLE. American needs to see it. It left me speechless, and even though I wasn’t there on that day (January 19th 2008) in Iraq. I have heard stories and seen photos, but nothing will ever compare to what REALLY happens over there. This movie is the closest thing to real you can get. I sat with my hand over my mouth the entire time. In disbelief and shock. I cried…a lot… I couldn’t believe my eyes. During Luttrell’s speech last night, he promised you would leave inspired, and we did.
My husband still lives with lots of questions and regrets on his heart. They weigh heavier than you could ever imagine. I think something that has helped in the last few months had been TALKING about it. Talking to others that understand, went through it, and can relate. and realize it’s OK to be hurt inside and admit to it. The hurt is silent. Something you don’t see on the outside. His next step is to build an Organization to help wounded warriors, both mentally and physically. My next goal is to help him.
Back tracking just a bit to right before we saw Mr. Luttrell speak, we ran into a guy as we were finishing up dinner at Planks. Listening to him talk, Paul and his Lt. put two and two together and realized they had met this guy before. Months and months ago. His name is Justin Kuhel. He was in another unit in the Marines and actually HELPED my husbands unit over in Iraq on THAT day. Born and raised here in Columbus, once he was out of the Marines be began going to school to be a medic (small world!) as well. Recently graduated from Medic school, he is now taking some time to WALK across the country to raise money for veterans. My heart dropped. I instantly looked up his organization on Facebook as I listened to him talk, he gave me goosebumps. My husband wants to start his own organization. This just gave him that final push.
I knew inside my next step was going to be to help him. In some way.
PLEASE visit his page, “like it” and learn more about WHY he did I hope this touches your heart like it did mine. Show him the support he deserves!
Shew. That was A LOT. and if you took the time to read it, thank you. My next step… I want YOU, to help ME, help THEM.
With that being said, I will host a day of mini sessions. By donations ONLY. 100% of proceeds will go toward “The March Across America”
Each Session will be 15 minutes long. and have a vintage Red, White and Blue theme if you choose. You will have these back before July 4th. Each session MUST have a donation of AT LEAST 30.00. PLEASE pay it forward and donate more if you are able. It’s the least you can do to give back. Please be kind and remember WHY we are holding these sessions. Typically we charge 100.00 for a simple 15 minute mini session. All we ask is that you help us raise as much money as possible. Let’s see how much money we can raise! I am so passionate about this. I can only hope and pray each of you will be just as passionate with me.
My Goal: I have a goal to raise $2,000.00. Tasha Braniff of Tasha Braniff Photography will be co-hosting this with me in order to double the profit. If we schedule 20(ish) sessions each. and each person pays an estimated 50.00 each. (some more and some less) We will reach our goal.
Next I am going to seek local vendors who would like to “donate or sponsor” something. Below is a list of things we are looking for:
-Cookies
-Cake pops
-Vintage red white and blue fabric
-Props (if you are interested in donating some sort of prop, please feel free to ask if it may be needed. These will be borrowed and returned to you at a later time)
Please contact me if you are interested in donating!
Location of sessions will be announced.
There is no greater hero than those that serve.
