| 340 Words | 2 Min Read |

Imagine spending 4th of July with the whole family gathered for a BBQ. Burgers are cooking, fireworks are being shot off, what could be better? Except someone is not there. A brother, sister, husband or wife is unable to make it due to their heroic service overseas. The table feels empty when someone you love cannot make it.

This is exactly how Terri & Pam, directors at Helping Heroes Fly, felt, realizing a family friend would not make it home for a special family gathering and probably many more to come.

Unfortunately, the US government does not pay our U.S. service members for travel over the holidays or family emergencies. Service members with under two years’ experience earn poverty-level wages, making travel nearly impossible when needed.

The mission behind Helping Heroes Fly is to “provide airfare to enlisted military personnel so that they can be home with their families for holidays and special occasions when they otherwise cannot afford a ticket.”

Since their inception in early 2016, they have flown 102 service men and women back home. Last year they bought 65 tickets, and 37 tickets so far this year!

The last three tickets they have purchased were to fly military men back home from overseas. One was stationed in Poland with the Army. He had a newborn baby he hadn’t seen and needed help getting home.

One injured Marine was wanting to get home to take care of a family matter. She couldn’t travel alone so Helping Heroes Fly paid for a Marine escort to accompany her.

We are thankful for these local ladies who have started this fantastic charity. We could not resist partnering with them again as our Charity of the Quarter. If you refer a friend or family member for insurance with us, we will donate to Helping Heroes Fly! Help us help our service men and women!

On September 16th, Helping Heroes Fly will be hosting their 2nd annual fundraiser. See the poster to the right for more info! We hope to see you there!