Will You give this to my Daddy? - Let us not forget

April is fair housing month let us not forget the men and women who are serving our country, some of this men and women coming home are is need of special assistance and special housing to accommodate their situations. 

Here in Northern Utah we have a program called "Have a Heart" where the Northern Wasatch Association of REALTOR® along with the Home Builders once a year build a home for a family with special circumstances which could be anything from low income to older couples needing assistance. And don't we all have some sort of special circumstances??

This year the "Have a Heart" committee has decided to force on the possibility of been able to help a military family  many of our soldiers who have served are country are returning with special circumstances requiring a home to fit there needs.

What a great way to give back to those who have sworn to serve and protect are right to home ownership.  Here is a look at one of the last homes we completed.

"These new homes are still discounted substantially; this is made possible by our builders and subcontractors that donate their supplies, services and labor hours. The REALTORS® and Affiliates further help to make these homes more affordable by hosting fundraisers throughout the year, and by collecting donations from individuals and local business; all funds raised go directly to the Have A Heart homes.

Our Way of Hugging back!!!!

Will You give this to my Daddy?

Last week in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While  in the airport, returning home, there people beginning to clap and cheer. One of the greatest acts of patriotism  ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When they saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. we are not  the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course immediately they began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Beiing so proud of this  country and of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause., there were very few dry eyes.  That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.