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Gold Star Dads / Camp Hope Christmas Party

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by War Machine, Dec 6, 2019.

  1. Dec 6, 2019 at 6:27 AM
    #1
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Hey Guys, I just wanted to put the word out there about an organization I’m pretty passionate about.
    The organization is Gold Star Dads of America. They are made up of a group of fathers who have lost children in active duty. The man who runs it is a true patriot, who lost his son in Iraq in 2007. He set up the foundation to help other people in the same situation, along with veterans suffering from PTSD. I try to help them whenever possible. They have done so much to support the families of veterans who have given their lives in service to our country.

    Every year, they organize a Christmas Party for veterans housed at Camp Hope here in Houston, another foundation that is dear to me. They provide housing and support for veterans suffering with PTSD, along with their families.

    I don’t know if you guys are aware of this statistic, but we lose 22 veterans to suicide EVERY DAY. These guys are working hard to change that.

    I’ve had the honor of helping to build Camp Hope over the last few years, and it’s wonderful to see the impact they are making. Many of their residents are out of work, and this event is the only way some of these guys can provide any kind of Christmas at all for their families.

    I know this time of year is tough for most, and there isn’t always a lot of money to go around. I know that there are many organizations asking for help during this time also. That said, if anyone here is willing and able to help in any way it would mean so much to us, and to our veterans who need our help. These guys gave everything for us, and this is a great opportunity to repay their sacrifice, if just for a moment.

    The goal is to raise $15,000.00 for the event, and we are not quite a quarter of the way there. This money will provide food, entertainment, and gifts for the veterans and their families.

    Last year’s party:

    https://goldstardads.org/organization-news/christmas-2018-camp-hope/

    I have had the pleasure of participating in this event for 5 years now. Please keep in mind: all of these veterans enter the program when they have reached rock bottom. They are usually broke, have no job, have been kicked out of their homes, or worse. As you can imagine, Christmas festivities aren't feasible. Almost all of these heroes have wives and small children. If not for the efforts of Gold Star Dads of America, they likely wouldn't have a Christmas at all. Having been given the honor of handing out "Santa Bags" to these warriors, I can attest to the fact that it means the world to them.

    Here is an interview with a recent graduate of the Camp Hope program:

    https://youtu.be/HUrgY5GWjA8

    Thank you for taking the time to read this. Even if you aren’t able to help now, please keep these guys in your thoughts, should you be able to help in the future. Please follow the link below to learn about the organization and help.

    https://goldstardads.org/about-us/


    Regardless of your means to help with the Christmas party: if you know anyone that might be suffering from this affliction, please have them call this number: 877-717-PTSD (7873). A veteran will answer any day at any time.

    More information here:

    http://www.ptsdusa.org
     
  2. Dec 6, 2019 at 4:51 PM
    #2
    Omohundro

    Omohundro 2018 Not a Pro

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    I gave earlier this year, it’s legit.
     
    War Machine[OP] and TundraDude18 like this.
  3. Dec 19, 2019 at 4:59 AM
    #3
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Guys,
    I got this email last night. Just wanted to bump the thread in case anyone is willing and able to help at the last minute. We’ve never fallen short before, so anything anyone can do to help would mean a lot.


    Good evening Jason
    Michael here from Gold Star Dads.
    ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT - Please Help

    It’s almost Christmas and we are at Critical Mass! you guys have been awesome with your support and prayers for our Warrior Outreach around Houston and our outreach at Camp HOPE.
    We have reached only 40% of our year end goal

    As many of you know, each year Gold Star Dads hosts the Christmas Party at Camp Hope This year’s event is Saturday, December 21st from 1830 - 2130(that's 6;30 - 9:30 pm for you civilians)

    But these plans are in jeopardy of failing without some serious help from you.

    We have 60 Residence along with 30 spouses and 104 Children + staff attending this party. On top of that, we have committed resources to other combat Deployed Family projects. This will be our largest undertaking to date.

    "This party isn't just about the kids and presents, it's about the family's restoration. This is a time to bring everyone together to restore faith and build confidence not only in the warriors mind but in the family unit as a whole. Nothing is more important or more noble than that. Michael Klasno, Gold Star Dad


    2019 is quickly coming to a close and there is still so much to do. Unfortunately we find ourselves dangerously short of the fundsnecessary to complete our year end commitments. We have once again come with hat in hand asking for your help.

    Here are a few ways you can help;



    1) Follow one of the Donation links provided on the Gold Star Dads website and use your credit card to donate.

    2) Write a personal check to Gold Star Dads of America and mail it to Gold Star Dads Today!





    BUSINESS OWNERS – We are still short $8,000 to cover our goal of $15,000


    Please consider a corporate donation to Gold Star Dads of America.

    Jason Bless you for all you do supporting our Veterans

    Friend, I already know where your heart is, I know I don’t have to remind you about our Warriors. These are great guys who answered the call and served with distinction. They and their families deserve only the best America can give. I have meet many of these young men personally and have prayed with, fellowship and laughed with them on numerous occasions, they are my brothers and my son’s peers.

    They have never requested anything more than friendship from me or anyone else. Which makes our goal of loving them and praying for their recovery even more important.

    Saturday, December 21st from 6:30 - 9:30 pm
    Camp Hope
    9724 Derrington
    Houston, TX 77269

    This is Joyous Time of Year, Please Join Us!

    Christmas Blessings to All

    Michael Klasno
    Gold Star Dads of America
    If you have any questions or to arrange pick up of your donation please Call Me at 951-833-2935

    *All donations above the party costs will be used for our Combat Deployed Family Christmas Outreach. Thank you for your generous donation!
     
  4. Dec 19, 2019 at 5:48 AM
    #4
    k9shag

    k9shag New Member

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    IMG_2997.jpg
    Donation sent.

    I wear this hat daily and have been asked often "Who is #22?" My reply is #22 isn't a single person and I go on to explain it is the number of Veterans who commit suicide daily. Most are stunned at the statistic, occasionally a few have shed tears. (not my intent, but it happens) As a veteran and the father of a career service member I feel it is a duty to educate those who do not know or realize the sacrifice made by all (service members, veterans, family members, friends) so we may go about our daily routine. Please help in anyway you can. I had a close friend and colleague killed in action January 29, 2004. 20 years in the military (active and reserves) and 16+ years a police officer. Our kids grew up together. Before the deployment that killed him, his high school daughter interviewed him for a school project. She asked him. "who should serve our country? He answered everyone should serve this country in some way. Helping our veterans and the families of those we lost is a way to serve. Remember their Holiday Season will never be the same.

    Rant over. Thanks for bringing this up @War Machine
     
    Outbound and War Machine[OP] like this.
  5. Dec 19, 2019 at 6:01 AM
    #5
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    Thank you very much Tony! It really means a lot. I never served myself, but truly appreciate all of those who have. I learned about this organization a few years ago. One of my customers had been approached to donate his work to help build Camp Hope, and he asked if I could donate the material. It started much smaller, but unfortunately they’ve needed to expand several times in the years since. It’s been an honor to do my part to help these people.
    Since Camp Hope has become more we’ll known, they get a lot more people and companies volunteering to help, so I’ve moved my focus to the Gold Star Dads. The man who runs it is amazing. I definitely recommend reading the things he has written and videos he’s posted. If anyone has Facebook, please follow them there. This is their big event for the year, but they do many smaller events throughout the year. Thanks again for your donation and for doing your part to let people know about this problem we have in our country. Shedding light on this issue is worth as much as the money is.
     
  6. Dec 19, 2019 at 6:02 AM
    #6
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

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    One more thing: where can I get one of those hats?
     
  7. Dec 19, 2019 at 6:06 AM
    #7
    k9shag

    k9shag New Member

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  8. Dec 19, 2019 at 6:10 AM
    #8
    Scuba

    Scuba Sober member

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    Donated.
    If I was closer I would offer to help with the event.
    Have a Merry Christmas.
     
  9. Dec 20, 2019 at 6:37 AM
    #9
    Navi

    Navi New Member

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    Merry Christmas and enjoy the Party!

    Ps - not sure if OP mentioned it but your gift is also tax deductible.
     

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