A note from the family.

“Dear Supporters,

Because of your generosity, our family received something we could not have given ourselves this year: time to reconnect, rest, and truly enjoy being together after a season of enormous change.

This past year, we welcomed a new baby, my husband retired from the military and began a new career, we moved to a new city, and I stepped away from my job to support our children as we adjusted. Along with the emotional transition came financial strain, from major life changes to purchasing a larger vehicle and settling into a new community. A trip like this simply would not have been possible for us right now without your support.

Your organization’s commitment to special operations families, as well as your recent expansion to continue supporting families even after retirement, means more than I can fully express. While my husband was on active duty, trips were offered to our family, but the operational demands of his career meant he was often deployed or training. Like many in this community, he rarely had the flexibility to step away, even for something this meaningful. We missed some of those opportunities then, and I truly believed that chapter had passed us by.

Learning that we had not been forgotten, and that you still wanted to bless our family even after his service ended, was incredibly emotional and deeply humbling.

The trip you made possible was a true reset for our family. With a one and three-year-old, every thoughtful detail mattered. Staying in a ski-in, ski-out home close to the lodge, having a parking pass, and being provided ski gear for our children removed so many barriers and stresses. Our three-year-old loved ski lessons, dog sledding, and seeing so much snow for the first time. We were even able to take her on special birthday excursions, while our one-year-old was lovingly cared for.

Both children celebrated birthdays during the trip with decorations and cake, and my husband and I were able to reconnect during a special date night thanks to the childcare you arranged.

After a year spent in transition and survival mode, that time together and the chance to simply enjoy our children was priceless.

Your generosity gave our family space to breathe, to bond, and to step into this new chapter with renewed strength. Thank you for continuing to care for families like ours, even after the uniform comes off. Your support created memories and healing that will stay with us for a lifetime.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Family Task Force 35 Recipients”