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| Our Hero! |
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
We are now on Twitter!
Finally! I've been a bit intimidated by Twitter (no real reason, just me), but I finally got brave enough to venture out and set up our account. You can find us at https://twitter.com/#!/Wings4OurTroops and follow us on Twitter now! I will post upcoming events and just as soon as we send another Marine home you will see it there as well!
We do have a fundraiser for WFOT scheduled for June 16, 2012 in Rogers, AR in front of the Harps in downtown Rogers. Whitey will be grilling his famous chicken and the "NUTS" will be there with all their amazing wives (yes, I said wives... some will be married by then), fiances, girlfriends, and all their friends as well as Benton County Sheriff hopeful Mike Jones and his wife Wendy. If you are in town and can spare the time please join us for this very worthy cause.
There are lots of Marines (and hopefully other branches) that need to get home before and/or after deployment and without our help they may not be able to afford their trip. These men and women make a very modest pay check and this visit home is on their own dime. I know it sounds crazy and to me it so is, but it's the facts...
Support our troops and show them we care by helping us raise as much money as we can (this is a non-profit foundation) to get our Marines home!
You can also check out our website at http://www.wingsforourtroops.com/ to check out events past and future as well as the story of our 1st Marine we sent home.
Thank you in advance for all your support and encouragement. It is greatly appreciated not just by us, but I know by all service men and women that will benefit from it.
We do have a fundraiser for WFOT scheduled for June 16, 2012 in Rogers, AR in front of the Harps in downtown Rogers. Whitey will be grilling his famous chicken and the "NUTS" will be there with all their amazing wives (yes, I said wives... some will be married by then), fiances, girlfriends, and all their friends as well as Benton County Sheriff hopeful Mike Jones and his wife Wendy. If you are in town and can spare the time please join us for this very worthy cause.
There are lots of Marines (and hopefully other branches) that need to get home before and/or after deployment and without our help they may not be able to afford their trip. These men and women make a very modest pay check and this visit home is on their own dime. I know it sounds crazy and to me it so is, but it's the facts...
Support our troops and show them we care by helping us raise as much money as we can (this is a non-profit foundation) to get our Marines home!
You can also check out our website at http://www.wingsforourtroops.com/ to check out events past and future as well as the story of our 1st Marine we sent home.
Thank you in advance for all your support and encouragement. It is greatly appreciated not just by us, but I know by all service men and women that will benefit from it.
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| Semper-Fi |
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Spouse Deployment Anthem
I came across this amazing video that a military spouse made regarding deployment. She is a musician (Olivia Perez-Breland) and she composed this heart wrenching deployment video and then just to show she could do it all she directed, produced, and edited the video herself. Warning, this will most likely make you cry, but it is absolutely beautiful. I know it could apply to parents as well as spouses, but it is definitely from a spouse's perspective and worth watching and listening to. I believe as a whole most Americans do a great job of supporting our troops, but I do believe at times the spouses get forgotten about during deployments and field training that takes them away from home sometimes up to 30 days at a time. Let's not forget that they truly sacrifice a lot as well and we need to support and lift them up.
http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/05/video-milspouse-deployment-anthem.html
http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/05/video-milspouse-deployment-anthem.html
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
1 year anniversary
WOW! It's hard to believe that this week marks a year ago that the guys from Chad's Battalion returned from Afghanistan. As the Radio Operator, Chad did his job! He may have only made it through about 5 weeks of deployment, but he did his job and did it well. I couldn't be more proud of him and couldn't be happier that his brothers in arms made it back safely. They did have some wounded warriors and that makes my heart sad, but they are pushing through like true Marines and making the best of their lives and grateful to have this opportunity as well I'm certain.
I know that all the young men that served with Chad left a piece of themselves in Afghanistan and I know they may in some way even struggle with some survivor's guilt. I hope if any of them ever read my blog that they know they should not ever have survivor's guilt. Chad was doing what he wanted to be doing and he made that choice very clear and he loved each and every one of those guys and would have it no other way.
As his mom, I would have given my own life for Chad (as I am sure any parent would do), but that was not in God's plan. There isn't a moment that I take a breath that I don't miss my son, but I do find some peace in knowing he is in God's arms and that he is finally safe.
I also know that I have been blessed with about 100 Marines that will forever be "bonus sons" to me and Tebo. They go out of their way to check in with us on a regular basis and there aren't many people who can say that about their child's friends/brothers. I hear from at least one of them every other week and some times more often and I heard from every one of them on Mother's Day. It's amazing what just a text, phone call, or Face Book message does for a mom when her own son can't reach out. I guess in a way he did, just through them.
I'm not angry that the other guys came home. In fact, completely the opposite. I'm so thankful and happy that they made it home and most of them have re-joined the civilian life and I believe they have all secured jobs or are attending college now. I couldn't be more proud of them all. They are moving forward and living life and that is exactly what I know for a fact that Chad wanted for them.
I do wonder what Chad would be doing right now. He might be in law enforcement somewhere (something he always wanted to do) or starting a family (he would have been an amazing father) or just living the dream somewhere, but instead he will forever be 22 1/2 years old and living in heaven with the angels and never hurting or being afraid again.
So for all my "bonus sons" congratulations for coming home and for your 1 year anniversary back on US Soil and for those that are still serving, you stay safe and know that you always have a cheerleader in me... To all of you, THANK YOU! Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, loving me & Tebo, and most importantly, for loving my son the way you do. You are never far from my thoughts and always in my heart.
Chad, you have always been my heart, always my hero, now you are my angel!
I know that all the young men that served with Chad left a piece of themselves in Afghanistan and I know they may in some way even struggle with some survivor's guilt. I hope if any of them ever read my blog that they know they should not ever have survivor's guilt. Chad was doing what he wanted to be doing and he made that choice very clear and he loved each and every one of those guys and would have it no other way.
As his mom, I would have given my own life for Chad (as I am sure any parent would do), but that was not in God's plan. There isn't a moment that I take a breath that I don't miss my son, but I do find some peace in knowing he is in God's arms and that he is finally safe.
I also know that I have been blessed with about 100 Marines that will forever be "bonus sons" to me and Tebo. They go out of their way to check in with us on a regular basis and there aren't many people who can say that about their child's friends/brothers. I hear from at least one of them every other week and some times more often and I heard from every one of them on Mother's Day. It's amazing what just a text, phone call, or Face Book message does for a mom when her own son can't reach out. I guess in a way he did, just through them.
I'm not angry that the other guys came home. In fact, completely the opposite. I'm so thankful and happy that they made it home and most of them have re-joined the civilian life and I believe they have all secured jobs or are attending college now. I couldn't be more proud of them all. They are moving forward and living life and that is exactly what I know for a fact that Chad wanted for them.
I do wonder what Chad would be doing right now. He might be in law enforcement somewhere (something he always wanted to do) or starting a family (he would have been an amazing father) or just living the dream somewhere, but instead he will forever be 22 1/2 years old and living in heaven with the angels and never hurting or being afraid again.
So for all my "bonus sons" congratulations for coming home and for your 1 year anniversary back on US Soil and for those that are still serving, you stay safe and know that you always have a cheerleader in me... To all of you, THANK YOU! Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, loving me & Tebo, and most importantly, for loving my son the way you do. You are never far from my thoughts and always in my heart.
Chad, you have always been my heart, always my hero, now you are my angel!
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| At Camp Pendleton before boarding the bus to leave for Afghanistan 2010 |
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| In Afghanistan 2010 |
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| Chad on the radio in Afghanistan 2010 |
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| Chad's memorial 5-25-2011... Seth, Zach S, Zach W, Shawn |
Monday, April 30, 2012
No more blue stars turning to gold
It's my prayer and hope that there are no more losses of our trops, but I'm not nieve enough to think that is reality. There are no real words for how my heart feels and most likely never will be, but I can at least say that although this horrible thing has happened, I have been blessed with an amazing family and friends to help get through this (if that's even possible).
No parent should ever have to bury their children. I can tell you first hand, it's the absolutely worst pain you can ever feel. Knowing he is in a better place and not suffering or being shot at every day is a good feeling, but that is always over-shadowed by the pain and sadness that comes from knowing I will never see him, touch him, help him, smell his smell, or ever see his children on this earth again. It's heartbreaking and at times it feels like it will actually kill me physically.
I struggled yesterday missing him terribly especially when sitting on the deck listening to the country music station and Allen Jackson's song "Wanted" started playing. I immediately started to cry. I couldn't hold them back even if I tried. I sent my sister a text and told her it was playing and she said "And I have my Mt. Dew t-shirt on!" (one of Chad's favorite t-shirts for those that may not know). Of course, I cried even harder after reading that.
Today I was just digging around online and found a video that my sister made that apparently if I knew it was out there I had forgotten. It was so sweet and while it made me cry (of course), it also reminded me that I am lucky to have the support system I do and to have a family that loved Chad so much. I know they miss him too and I know they feel like they lost a part of me too when he died (and they did), but knowing they are there for me helps me get out of bed every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNtPZs2KPFg&feature=related
There are many days I don't want to get up, but I don't have a choice. I have to go on and still help take care of my family, but some days are so much harder than others and I suppose that will remain the case for the rest of my days on this earth.
So much has happened in our family since Chad left this earth and I know it would be so hard for him to see what some of us have had to go through. I was worried about that one day and I don't know how many other Gold Star parents (or any parent that lost a child) feel this way, but I wondered.... does he see us struggling, does he know the mistakes we make, does he see us upset? I finally had to ask a pastor friend, because I was so burdened by things he might be seeing down here (you know how people always say, oh he is looking down from heaven). Well, I never thought about it until this pastor friend told me that the answer to that question was no, because that would be hell. I had never thought about it like that before, but it made perfect sense when he verbalized that to me. I don't worry about him seeing things on this earth that might hurt him or upset him anymore. Now I just thank God for little things that give me a little imaginary hug when I need them most, like rainbows, orange butterflies, hearing Allen Jackson's song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9w5VFfhao&ob=av2e, etc. That does give me a small amount of comfort when those little things happen and even more comfort knowing he can't actually see what is going on down here on earth.
I know certain things about Chad that others may or may not know and one thing I do know is he would never want his wife so live a sad and lonely life the rest of her life. He would want her to find love and happiness again and live a full life. I know he doesn't want to see his family going through so much grief or his friends struggling so much from missing him or feeling guilty that it was him and not them. I know Chad, he would never want that. He would not want any of us to have any regrets or to stay in a sad place. I just know that would never be his heart. Therefore, I do believe what my pastor friend said to me, because I know that would make Chad sad and he doesn't want us to be sad.
I hope that every parent that has had the unfortunate experience of losing a child believes that their child would never want them to stay in state of sadness or feel guilty. Those children love us and the way we would hope that our children would go on with their lives and find a way to be happy, that's what I believe they want from us. They understand we will be sad and miss them (they expect that), but they would never want us to stop living life and finding happiness when we can. That would make them feel so bad.
I hate not having my baby boy on this earth more than I ever thought I could, but it was God's plan to take him when he did and to spare the lives he spared. Some days are easier than others to see that, but I do know that Chad would never want his family, wife, and friends to live the rest of their lives like that. He would want us to all live, love, laugh, and be happy. I know this as his momma bear.
No parent should ever have to bury their children. I can tell you first hand, it's the absolutely worst pain you can ever feel. Knowing he is in a better place and not suffering or being shot at every day is a good feeling, but that is always over-shadowed by the pain and sadness that comes from knowing I will never see him, touch him, help him, smell his smell, or ever see his children on this earth again. It's heartbreaking and at times it feels like it will actually kill me physically.
I struggled yesterday missing him terribly especially when sitting on the deck listening to the country music station and Allen Jackson's song "Wanted" started playing. I immediately started to cry. I couldn't hold them back even if I tried. I sent my sister a text and told her it was playing and she said "And I have my Mt. Dew t-shirt on!" (one of Chad's favorite t-shirts for those that may not know). Of course, I cried even harder after reading that.
Today I was just digging around online and found a video that my sister made that apparently if I knew it was out there I had forgotten. It was so sweet and while it made me cry (of course), it also reminded me that I am lucky to have the support system I do and to have a family that loved Chad so much. I know they miss him too and I know they feel like they lost a part of me too when he died (and they did), but knowing they are there for me helps me get out of bed every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNtPZs2KPFg&feature=related
There are many days I don't want to get up, but I don't have a choice. I have to go on and still help take care of my family, but some days are so much harder than others and I suppose that will remain the case for the rest of my days on this earth.
So much has happened in our family since Chad left this earth and I know it would be so hard for him to see what some of us have had to go through. I was worried about that one day and I don't know how many other Gold Star parents (or any parent that lost a child) feel this way, but I wondered.... does he see us struggling, does he know the mistakes we make, does he see us upset? I finally had to ask a pastor friend, because I was so burdened by things he might be seeing down here (you know how people always say, oh he is looking down from heaven). Well, I never thought about it until this pastor friend told me that the answer to that question was no, because that would be hell. I had never thought about it like that before, but it made perfect sense when he verbalized that to me. I don't worry about him seeing things on this earth that might hurt him or upset him anymore. Now I just thank God for little things that give me a little imaginary hug when I need them most, like rainbows, orange butterflies, hearing Allen Jackson's song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9w5VFfhao&ob=av2e, etc. That does give me a small amount of comfort when those little things happen and even more comfort knowing he can't actually see what is going on down here on earth.
I know certain things about Chad that others may or may not know and one thing I do know is he would never want his wife so live a sad and lonely life the rest of her life. He would want her to find love and happiness again and live a full life. I know he doesn't want to see his family going through so much grief or his friends struggling so much from missing him or feeling guilty that it was him and not them. I know Chad, he would never want that. He would not want any of us to have any regrets or to stay in a sad place. I just know that would never be his heart. Therefore, I do believe what my pastor friend said to me, because I know that would make Chad sad and he doesn't want us to be sad.
I hope that every parent that has had the unfortunate experience of losing a child believes that their child would never want them to stay in state of sadness or feel guilty. Those children love us and the way we would hope that our children would go on with their lives and find a way to be happy, that's what I believe they want from us. They understand we will be sad and miss them (they expect that), but they would never want us to stop living life and finding happiness when we can. That would make them feel so bad.
I hate not having my baby boy on this earth more than I ever thought I could, but it was God's plan to take him when he did and to spare the lives he spared. Some days are easier than others to see that, but I do know that Chad would never want his family, wife, and friends to live the rest of their lives like that. He would want us to all live, love, laugh, and be happy. I know this as his momma bear.
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| My double rainbow |
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| My orange butterfly... stayed by my side all afternoon while working in the yard :) |
Friday, April 27, 2012
My Thirty-One Fundraiser!
We have so many amazing people helping us raise money for this very worthy cause. Here is another option for Mother’s Day gifts, birthday gifts, or just a little something nice for yourself. Kim Brow is hosting a fundraiser through her Thirty-One business (www.mythirtyone.com/kimbrow31). Right now during April for every $31 you spend, you can get any purse in the catalog for 1/2 price (This sale is only through April so hurry!). For every $31 spent in May, you can purchase the All-In-One Organizer for just $5 (that’s a great deal).
So here is how this will work and what you need to do. During April & May, Kim will donate 25% of her total commission to Wings for Our Troops “in loving memory of CPL Chad S Wade”. Mother’s Day is coming up May 13th so the timing is great! Here is what you do… Go to www.mythirtyone.com/kimbrow31 and once you are there go to “my events” and look for the Wings for Our Troops Fundraiser and order from there. Again, 25% of her commission from orders made from that link will go directly to this foundation to help a Marine get home to his/her family before and/or after deployment. These young men and women deserve so much more, but this is a great way to show them how much we truly appreciate their service and sacrifices! Happy shopping!
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| April Special - Spend $31 and get any purse 1/2 off (April Only) |
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| May Special - Spend $31 and get the All-In-One Organizer for $5 (May only) |
25% of all purchases made under "my event" and Wings for Our Troops fundraiser will go to the foundation! Thank you Kim Brow!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wings for Our Troops Fundraiser via Mary Kay
Mother's Day is coming up and summer will be here before you know so there will be needs for "new" colors for summer so what better way to get what you need and help a Marine get home before or after deployment than purchasing through this fundraiser! A close friend of mine and her daughter, Darci & Brandi Harris, are donating 30% of all subtotals on orders (for all items) now through May 11, 2012. That's right folks, 30% of your subtotal on any purchase through them will be donated to Wings for Our Troops "in loving memory of CPL Chad S Wade".
Here is what you need to know. If you would like to purchase something you can go to http://www.marykay.com/ and pick your items and then email Darci at harrisfamily05@att.net and give her your item numbers and how you would like to pay for it. If you would like to send her a check just let her know that in your emailed order and she will email you her mailing address. If you prefer to pay through Pay Pal you can go to http://www.paypal.com/ and enter her email address harrisfamily05@att.net and that should get you where you need to go. Obviously, should you have any problems, just send Darci an email and she will help you out.
This is a great way to take care of yourself or your moms and still support our Troops! What an awesome way to do both. Thank you in advance to all who have already participated and those of you that will. You have just made the day of a Marine and his/her families!
Here is what you need to know. If you would like to purchase something you can go to http://www.marykay.com/ and pick your items and then email Darci at harrisfamily05@att.net and give her your item numbers and how you would like to pay for it. If you would like to send her a check just let her know that in your emailed order and she will email you her mailing address. If you prefer to pay through Pay Pal you can go to http://www.paypal.com/ and enter her email address harrisfamily05@att.net and that should get you where you need to go. Obviously, should you have any problems, just send Darci an email and she will help you out.
This is a great way to take care of yourself or your moms and still support our Troops! What an awesome way to do both. Thank you in advance to all who have already participated and those of you that will. You have just made the day of a Marine and his/her families!
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