As many of you may know, for the past 12 years I have, with your help, made it my mission to help the children of deployed and wounded service members through my charity, Embracing Military Families. And every year, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our community.
In the fall, I wrote to you asking once again for your support. I offered this quote, often erroneously attributed to George Washington, but true nonetheless:
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
I asked that you help me ensure that those who heed the call in the future will see that in our time, our service members and their families were not only taken care of, but embraced and rewarded for their sacrifice.
Well, in Fayette County, anyway, we sent a huge shout-out to those soldiers of the future! We showed them that we will not abandon our post. We are on duty, taking care of their loved ones while they take care of us. And this year, you not only met the mission objectives, you exceeded them in ways that just left me speechless.
There are times when even the most optimistic of us can get a little pessimistic about the world. But whenever I find myself leaning in that direction, all I have to do is think of you and your generosity and genuine outpouring of love for our soldiers and their families. As I said, it is truly overwhelming.
There were many individuals who went over and above this year, unfortunately too many to name in this forum. But you know who you are and you have my undying gratitude, and that of the military family that enjoyed a merry Christmas thanks to your generosity.
In addition, there were several businesses and organizations that helped our families this year. I would like to thank the Hauser Foundation, Johnny’s Pizza, YKnot Sports Bar, Massage Envy, World Gym, Starr’s Mill High School French Club and Providence United Methodist Church.
It’s hard to believe that it has been 12 years since I first cried for the children of deployed soldiers and prayed for a way to help them. From those prayers, Embracing Military Families was born. And it is through your prayers and generosity that it continues.
I pray for the day when all of our service members are home, healthy, and embraced by their families. But until that time comes, it is so comforting to know that you are here supporting them while they defend us. Embracing Military Families and the soldiers we support couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you and God bless!
Cathy McMullen, founder
Embracing Military Families
Peachtree City, Ga.
