Did you happen to watch episode three of the television series Saving Heroes on the American Heroes Channel? If not, I guarantee you'll want to be on the lookout for the re-run!

In this particular episode, a film crew followed Operation PAL participant Sgt Eddie and captured some pretty awesome moments in the days leading up to and of his blue shark fishing expedition!

Since beginning my volunteer work with MarineParents over two years ago, I haven't met any of the Operation PAL participants in person, I have only been able to see photos and correspond with the participants and their families through the mail, via email, and on the occasional phone call.  

Seeing Sgt Eddie on the big screen absolutely moved me to tears! To say I was hooked on Eddie's infectious smile and sense of humor would be an understatement. I was amazed by the dedication he displayed to complete his lifelong mission of catching a blue shark--he actually trained in advance, practicing exercises that would help him to use the rod and reel to land his catch!

During their visit with Eddie and his family, host Lt. Colonel Michael Kay and the film crew were invited to tour Eddie's "man-cave".  As the camera man panned the room, I saw shelf after shelf of cards and letters that Angela, Eddie's Mom, has been saving over the years. I know that if you have written to Sgt Eddie at any time within the past six years, your correspondence can be found on one of those shelves!  What an amazing testament to how much your support & encouragement means!

The creators of the Saving Heroes series want to focus on thanking those who serve our country with more than words. The show intends to cover stories about military veterans, first responders, and everyday people who risk their lives to protect others. I don't know about you, but I have set my DVR to record the entire season of the show. In my neck of the woods, it airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. And, if you happen to see that a re-run of Season 1, Episode 3 (titled "We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat") is going to air, please set aside some time to watch it. You'll be so glad you did!

We would like to pass along this wonderful thank you note CPL Casey's mom, Kelly, wrote to all of his supporters:

Dearest Operation PAL -  

I had to write & thank you for forwarding all the kind cards & letters from around the nation.

All the cards & letters will be read by Casey and, someday, little Ava. She will see the love & support for her Daddy.  

I pray nightly for all the kind souls that took the time to write & show support.

Your generosity will be remembered forever!

God Bless.

Kelly

To visit CPL Casey's Operation PAL page, please click here... 

Last year, we were extremely honored to have a Gold Star Mother, Sherry Wyatt, in attendance. She shared stories of her son, Army Spc Sterling Wyatt, who was killed on patrol just three short months earlier. When Sherry finished speaking, Marine Parents Founder and Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia led us in a heartfelt prayer to close out the ceremony. She knew just what to say.   

It is very true that heartache does not discriminate. It does not care if you're Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. It doesn't care if you are on active duty or in the Reserves. It doesn't care if you're a parent, a son, a daughter, or any other sort of relative or friend. Americans of all walks of life are forced to deal with the pain of losing a loved one in defense of our country. In honor of these American heroes and their families, I have pledged to forever mark the last Sunday in September on my calendar to acknowledge their sacrifice.

Will you join us this year on September 28th and light a candle to honor and remember? To pledge your support of the Gold Star Luminary Initiative, please click here....