TESTIMONIALS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

 

Throughout the year, Homefront America Supporters reach out from “Sea to Shining Sea” to help raise the quality of life for military families stationed around the globe.  These selfless Patriots give of their time and valuable resources to help support our various programs.

 

 

The following excerpts are taken from acknowledgments of gratitude received from military families whose lives were changed, as a result of the generosity and kindness of our Homefront Supporters.  To ALL our Supporters, we Thank You from the bottom of our Hearts.

 

 

 

2007 AMERICAN PATRIOT FREEDOM SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

 

M. Barnes

I am extremely grateful to the Sara's Hope Foundation and Homefront America for making it possible to receive such scholarship awards that do so much to help pay for an essential secondary education. I am dedicated to being the kind of student who is worthy of such assistance.”

 

Growing up in a large family that was both military and ministerial taught me many valuable lessons, including deep appreciation for assistance with essential resources. It also meant I moved a lot, and came into contact with many different people who I loved to study and observe just to learn from their differences. Now, with the help of scholarships, I am going to university to study Anthropology; later I intend to further my education with a higher degree in Linguistics. I believe communication is the key to our understanding one another, and my passion for languages comes not only with a love for words, but for the thoughts and motivations behind them. It is my goal to someday use my education and zeal to show people how to understand each other on a global scale.

 

 

M. Carrow

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of this prestigious scholarship award.  This award will assist me tremendously in this upcoming year.

 

I am honored that Homefront America has created this opportunity for me to achieve a higher level of education.  I am grateful to the organization for seeing potential in me, and for encouraging me to work hard to fulfill my dreams and aspirations for a successful future.

 

I am truly touched and inspired.  I thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart for supporting my education and believing in me.

 

 

J. Castro

With this scholarship, not only will I be able to pay for tuition, books, lab fees and other costs, but I will be able to make a difference in the world as I pursue my dream of becoming a research biologist.  I want to find a cure for diseases, discover the unseen, and explore nature’s beauty to see how we can benefit from it.

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to further my education.

 

 

 

 

 

J. Hamel 

I am thrilled to have received this scholarship for the 2007-2008 school year.  It helps out in tremendous ways for me and my family!  I have a twin sister who is also enrolled full time in college.  This scholarship helps out because my parents do not have to worry about how they are going to put two kids through college!  The scholarship will be a blessing to me and my family because we will be able to concentrate on school.  I will be able to put this towards my tuition and some books as well.  I thoroughly appreciate this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

T. Hansen

This scholarship will be of great assistance to me in my goal of attaining a college degree.  It is wonderful that there are people like those of Homefront America's organization who support a student's efforts to excel.  I will work hard to make sure that you feel you have made a wise decision in selecting me as one of your recipients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Jones 

I want to begin with saying once more. “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU” for awarding me the scholarship.  Words could never express how much it means to me as I begin my post-secondary education journey.

 

In less than two months I will be embarking on a new education voyage: College.  I cannot wait to begin attending Longwood University this fall.  I’ve already attended Freshmen Orientation and registered for my classes as a Liberal Studies: Elementary Education major.  When I took the college placement test for Spanish, I placed into Spanish 320.  Testing so high will allow me to complete my Spanish minor by the end of my sophomore year.  Should funds allow, I plan to study abroad in Spain next year also.

 

Though I’m looking forward to my upcoming years in college, I’m anticipating even more my post-college career.  Upon graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and a double-minor in Spanish and Business, I would like to be a Kindergarten teacher for a minimum of 5 years to gain experience in the field.  During this time, I plan to hone my skills in business/accounting, the Spanish language, and graphics/advertising.  These skills will be of good use when I start my own business.  Six to seven years after graduating, I will have my own business which will expand to become a nation-wide franchise of child development centers.

 

I honestly cannot wait to see what the future holds in store for me.  So with that being said, I have to say “thank you” once more for selecting me for your scholarship.

 

 

A. Kaaihue

Once again, I would like to thank you and the scholarship committee for selecting me as one of the 2007 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Award recipients.  I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship and know it will help me to reach my personal and professional goals in life.  I fully understand it is a considerable investment.  I will not disappoint.  I will work hard and apply myself.

 

The funds will be used toward a quality post-secondary education at Louisiana State University.  I expect the experience and knowledge I receive in college will better prepare me for the life that I plan to lead.  Higher education is important to my future because it will assist me in establishing my career goals and contribute to my success, maturity and development.  I addition, it will provide me with a broader range of career opportunities and the skills necessary to make a valuable contribution to society.

 

Thank you again for your generosity,

 

 

C. McGlamery 

The scholarship I received in 2006 helped me tremendously, and the one I will be receiving for this school year, will also help in a big way as I continue my experience here at The Ohio State University. The scholarships have allowed me to focus primarily on my studies without having to worry about whether there will be money for my tuition next quarter. This freedom has given me the opportunity to branch out and truly experience all of the possibilities that college has to offer. Last years award was a tremendous boost and relieved a heavy burden from me and my family, and I feel that this years award will help push me that much closer to achieving my full potential. I would like to thank you again for all that you have done for me and others like me around the services.

 

 

 

D. Rasch 

I want to express my thanks for the American Patriot Freedom Scholarship.  I am currently in attendance at Brigham Young University, and it is because of this money that I am able to pay for school. 

 

It is truly wonderful to be able to graduate from high school, and continue my education in college.  I am majoring in Computer Science, and it is a wonderful field of study.  I am so glad that I am able to continue my education in this area. 

 

Thank you so much for your help.  I will always appreciate it.

 

 

 

A. Salafia

First of all I would like to thank you for choosing me to receive this scholarship.  I greatly appreciate the reward.  This scholarship means a great deal to me because it means that it will pay off the rest of my college bill.  I had always dream to get a full-ride scholarship for sports and when that did not happen I realized how much foundations like yours can help me.  Once again I am very grateful for being the recipient of this scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Santos Jr.

I would like to express my sincere thanks for selecting me as a candidate for a $1000.00 educational scholarship.  This generous award will assist me in meeting my life long dream of being an Aerospace Engineer.  My personal goal is to help design and build the next generation of airplanes for the United States Air force and this fine award gets me one step closer to fulfilling my dream.

 

Thank you again for helping me to not only obtain a great education, but most of all for helping my dreams come true.

 

 

 

 

D. Steiner

I am delighted to have been awarded the 2007 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Award.  It truly means a lot to me, as I feel that I work very hard for my success, and being recognized in such a fashion is a wonderful reward for my effort.  My family is very patriotic and both my father and one of my grandfathers were career Navy pilots.  In fact, I have also been selected for a four-year Navy Option NROTC scholarship, so that I too may serve.

 

My award will be applied to my college room and board, as I have been selected for a four-year Navy Option NROTC scholarship, which will cover my tuition, books and some fees, but not my room and board.  Also, I want to fund as much of my own education as possible as my parents are near retirement and I do not want to jeopardize their future well-being by asking for their support.  In addition, I believe in paying my own way and this award permits me to do significantly more toward pursuing that goal of financial independence.

 

 

2006 AMERICAN PATRIOT FREEDOM SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

 

T. Pedersen – Montevideo, MN (Daughter of Active Duty ANG Service Member)

Receiving this $1,000 scholarship is very much appreciated and definitely will help me with my college expenses.  It is very important that the foundation knows this scholarship award will be helping me out so much and how honored I am to have been one of the 20 selected.   

 

I am currently taking business general courses and am not totally decided on my major yet, but am thinking business - sales and marketing.   I really like St. Cloud State University and am the first in the family to attend a 4-year college.

 

 

J. Threet  - Smyrna, TN (Daughter of Retired USAF Service Member)

I truly appreciated receiving the Homefront America Scholarship! It played an irreplaceable role in my dream of becoming a high school teacher. The ability to pursue higher education is a blessing. Learning to walk alongside teenagers, to enable them to bring joy in our world, uplifts my spirit.

 

                  

D. Taylor – American Emirates (Son of Active Duty USAF Service Member)

The scholarship that I received from your institution has aided me greatly at Sewanee, The University of the South. Sewanee is a small, yet very expensive school, and the scholarship money has helped me to compensate for the cost of books and room and board. The fact that the scholarship is a military scholarship is also great for military kids overseas (like I was) who don't have the opportunity to apply for local scholarships. Thanks Homefront America.

 

 

D. Powell – San Antonio, TX (Son of Active Duty USAF Service Member)

I am a scholarship awardee from your 2006 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship.  I would like you to know this scholarship has been a blessing for me.  It has allowed me to focus less on the financial needs of college and more on the educational benefits of college. I thank you and the program so much for supporting my college career.

 

 

B. Zavala – Grand Forks, ND (Daughter of Active Duty USAF Service Member)

I truly appreciate the scholarship that was awarded to me from Homefront America.  I have been able to begin my college career without the worry that many have with “how will I pay for my tuition.”  I am eager to continue classes that will bring me to my goal of a career in Psychology.

 

I also feel very honored to have had my voice heard on what I think is an important topic.  The military has always been good to my family and I am proud to be a part of it.

 

 

C. McGlamery – Columbus, OH (Son of Active Duty USN Service Member)

I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me and others like me.  The scholarship was a tremendous boost and relief for me and my family.  It allowed me to focus primarily on my studies without having to worry whether there would be enough money for next quarter’s tuition.  This freedom gave me the opportunity to branch out and truly experience all that college has to offer.

 

 

 

HALLOWEEN

 

The Harris Family

Thank you for your help in helping my kids to have a happy Halloween. Without your help, my kids would not have had a Halloween. So, thank you again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOMEFRONT EASTER

 

The Hill Family

I want to express my thanks for all the hard work and extensive planning that went into the Easter event. The volunteers were friendly and gracious! Savannah’s basket was beautiful and a kind volunteer retrieved her basket for her as she was “melting down” and we were faced with leaving – even though we made it through the raffle just fine. I was surprised to see that Savannah made it through two hours of activities and she really enjoyed herself. Thank you and the volunteer team with Homefront America very much for including us in a special day.

 

 

 

HOMEFRONT SANTA

 

The Wilson Family 

Our family was truly blessed this Christmas with all the wonderful gifts we received.  Thank you very much.

 

 

The Chalkey Family

I just want to thank you for the wonderful Christmas you gave my family.  You, the volunteers and of course the sponsors made this Christmas the most spectacular.  I can't believe the toys and clothes my children received.  My son (4) was out of this world when he received his scooter from "Santa." My daughter (7) loves all her musical toys and now thinks she is a one man band; and my youngest son (8mos) loves his little cause and effect toys.  Everything was so perfect.  I don't even know where to begin.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

 

 

The Nobles Family

We just wanted to write and thank you for making this Christmas like none other; and we may never see one like it again.  From the time that we have been in the military financial stability has been a struggle.  Well this year looked like it would be no different.  We were due to re-enlist and did so on the fifteenth of Dec 06. 

 

We were hoping that our re-enlistment bonus would arrive in time for the holidays, but of course it did not.  However, somehow and I would have to say that it was by the grace of God that he put Homefront America and our sponsored family in our path.   Thank you very much for the help.

 

 

 

PROJECT ARK “at risk kids”

 

Natalie , Age 15

Imagine lying in a bunk no bigger than your body itself, aboard an ending to a world war, whispering all the hardships of your life to the girl bunked across from you.  Imagine accepting 19 strangers as your family within a single week. Imagine several police officers, which at first served as your Project chaperones, quickly becoming the chaperones of all your hopes and dreams. If you can imagine all this, then you imagining only a portion of the experience I had aboard ARK- the portion of which I can hardly describe in words.

 

I have attended many programs offering new leadership and educational growth and, although they served their purpose, ARK provided for me something that I believe no other organization possibly could - ARK blessed me with understanding and peace of mind.  I left Hawaii with a new outlook on my life. Now I knew that I was no longer alone as far as my military lifestyle was concerned; now I knew that there were others out there just like me. But most importantly, a gift of such importance that I cannot simply express on paper, ARK had, in all actuality, given me a family.

 

 

Chelsea, Age 15

I have benefited so incredibly much from my experience. I realized some things are just not my fault. I have learned that others are going through all of the same things I am. My family environment seems a whole lot better. I don't seem to be grounded as much.

 

It’s amazing how one week can change so many people’s lives. I know you have touched my life.

 

 

Soon – Father of Sam, Age 14 

My wife and I are amazed how much the project affected our son in such a short period of time. He is more positive and confident with himself.  Sam now appreciates us much more and has a future aspiration. Even though Sam was an all A’s student, he didn’t really have any defined goals. Now, he wants to join S.W.A.T (LAPD) so my wife and I are happy that he at least has a goal to achieve.

 

 

Courtney, Age 12

Project ARK changed my life.  While I was on the USS Missouri, I learned that I have a good life.  I learned that I take many things for granted.  I still stay in contact with the many new friends I made.  If I had the chance, I would definitely do it again.  I had so much fun, and learned a lot of new things.  It is an experience that I will never forget!

 

 

Greg, Age 17

Of all the experiences in my life, I would have to say that my stay on the U.S.S. Missouri would rank pretty high up on the list of good memories. It not only showed what being in the military is about, but it helped me to be less cynical about the military and life in general. I, at least know now why my Dad does what he does. 

 

Say what you will about the cold showers, the coffin bunks, and the eggs.  However, after a week it felt like a home to me.  I felt like I understood a little better about the sailors who lived in its hull.

 

Project A.R.K wasn’t always beaches and water parks. Some of the heavier stuff was Punchbowl Memorial National Cemetery.  We really enjoyed meeting a pair of WWII veterans who told us stories of their experiences in Italy; and a Sergeant who recently returned from Iraq.   It made me think about how much people will do for their beliefs.

 

 

Matthew, Age 13

Project ARK was an incredible learning experience for me, not only because of the experiences, but because of the people. I learned that I am not alone when it comes to going through all the stresses of my dad being deployed, that there are many more kids going through the same things. 

 

I remember thinking when I first walked onto the ship “This is going to be sooooo boring,” and “How on earth am I going to be able to go without videogames or playing tennis?”  

 

Well, little did I know that Project ARK would afford me so many prohibitive experiences like visiting the Punchbowl Memorial National Cemetery.  There were a couple of WWII Veterans who told us their war stories.  Listening to them helped me to understand that they also suffer from deployment. 

 

When it was time to leave, I felt like my heart was going to break.  I know that everyone else felt the same way.  No one wanted to leave.  I still look at the mementos I have from the trip, and wish that I never had to leave.

 

 

Rodney, Age 14

Project ARK taught me how important my Dad’s job is, and all the people who are in the service.  I see the values in them now that I never saw before, but now I know how important they are.  My Dad is now an even more important person to me. 

 

Project ARK taught me responsibilities.  There were 19 of us kids living together.  We learned to depend on each other, and helped each other.  I learned how to wash my own clothes, wake up early, and make my own bed.  I learned that I need to help my family members out more, do my chores without having to be asked, and spend less time on my computer.

 

Project ARK changed my whole way of thinking.  It gave me a lot of confidence, and taught me responsibilities. 

 

 

Alyssa, Age 13

Project A.R.K. really opened up my eyes to what sacrifices my parents have made being in the military, I now understand the amount of stress that was put on them.

 

The most awesome part of the project was being able to stay on the U.S.S. Missouri.  It taught me how hard it is to be in the military and to be stationed on a ship.  Every time I was on the ship I looked around and wondered how it was for the sailors that had to stay on the ship for months at a time, I was only on it for a week and it was a big change for me.

 

The project really opened my eyes; especially when we visited the Punch Bowl Cemetery and were able to listen to two wonderful veterans speak. We were even able to see the head stones of some of the Medal of Honor recipients that we did research reports on.  That made it all real to me.

 

It really hit me when I saw the plaques that said “unknown soldiers.”   Their families will never know what really happened to them.  I am so glad my parents are safe and my family is together. 

 

         

Alexander, Age 15

As I think back on the time I spent with the Project ARK chaperones, I realize that the time I spent there changed me mentally and emotionally.

 

We were not allowed to have any electronic items, including cell phones, video games, or MP3 players.  But it turned out to be a life-learning experience that was fun and entertaining, and also very touching.  Going to North Shore, the Punchbowl, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and seeing the graves of many soldiers especially those marked “unknown” was quite an experience for me.

 

What I learned from these experiences is that I should not take life for granted, but instead I should acknowledge my Father for his courage in serving America and for providing a better life for his family.  I came back a different person, at least that’s what my mom says.  She says that I have matured.

 

I will always remember this experience to be one of the greatest times in my life.