Operation Holiday Hope 2013

Thank you to everyone that participated in Operation Holiday Hope! Military kids that have a parent deployed this holiday season received a card from The Comfort Crew, a global phone card from Zilliant, and an invitation to view messages from folks all over the country.

Here were some of our favorites:
Hello and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! My name is Jessica, and I am a strength and conditioning coach in Austin, TX. I am so excited to have the opportunity to write you this holiday message! I love writing Holiday cards, and this is by far the coolest one I’ve ever done. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your parent for all they do for me as an American, and for you who supports and allows your parent to do their important job. I’m sure it’s not easy to have a soldier as a parent, but I also know that only really cool really brave kids have soldier parents:) I’m sorry that your parent won’t be home for the Holidays, but I know they are thinking about you and wishing you blessings and joy. It’ll be so cool to save all these messages people are writing to you and show your parent when they get home! I don’t think I’ve ever had this many people write me a holiday message— you are so lucky!!!! So Happy Happy Happy Holidays to you and your entire family. I hope you get presents and eat cookies and have such a fun time! Know that you are loved by many people, and that we are all thinking about you this Holiday. Love always, Jessica

My son is overseas and will not be home for Christmas this year. This will be the first time we have not been together for the holidays. So I can only image how you are feeling with your parent away for Christmas. My wish is that you will have a Merry Christmas and I pray that your family will be together soon. –Robin

I know the holidays are filled with fun and excitement, but they can also be challenging and stressful when you have a parent deployed overseas. I can relate to this because I have three kids and have deployed myself. Just know that we are thinking about you this holiday season and I hope all your wishes come true. Thank you for being so strong and brave and for supporting your parent while they are away. Happy Holidays!!!! –LTC Les Davis

As a grown up Military Brat, I want to say Happy Holidays to you – I promise you that Your Military Parent is missing you so much right now – so tonight go outside and blow the Moon a Kiss – from you to your parent – and the Moon will deliver right away! Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year! –Terri

Since you have allowed your parent(s) to leave your home and fight for our freedom, it makes YOU a hero too. Please know we are very grateful for you and how you are taking care of your family during the holidays. Your parents need you so much because all the love in your heart helps them get through their day. Keep smiling and keep believing that you are super, duper important to everyone around you. I give thanks for your bravery because it allows your military parent to serve our country. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! PS: Take lots of pictures to capture the holidays for your mom or dad! –Dannielle

I am an Army Veteran and spent 3 Christmas days in a foreign country. I was an adult and I know how hard it was for me. I can only imagine how hard it is for a child. I hope you are surrounded by love and you make the best of being away or having your parent away. –Karen

We received several thank you notes from the families and wanted to share a few:

Thank you! We did receive the card. Our family appreciates all the support given. We have daddy home for the Holidays and that was a surprise and a blessing. Have a great Holiday as well!

I would like to thank you and your organization for the holiday cheer we’ve received. My sons age 2 and 3 were so excited to receive their Cuzzie. The very first night their Cuzzies slept with them was great! Neither of the boys woke up in the middle of the night.

I’m thankful that they have these mementos of hope for the holidays.

Thank you very much for the global cards that were sent to my Granddaughters.  We all wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for thinking of us.  God bless you all and thank you for what you do.