Until November 29, you can help us salute our nation’s heroes by rounding up your purchases in-store, online, or via the Casey’s Rewards app. The funds raised will benefit two extraordinary organizations that each uniquely support veterans and their families: Children of Fallen Patriots and Hope For The Warriors (HOPE).
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is proud to announce the league will once again spend the month of November with a heightened focus on recognizing and giving back to military members and their families.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2022, Military Charity Organization will recognize winners of the 2022 Service Members of the Year Awards at a special event in Washington D.C. The event will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building, have an invite-only guest list, and include a celebratory dinner.
First Coast News - Published by Anthony Austin
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — According to statistics, 25,000 children have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. Most of those casualties are men, leaving behind single mothers to care for their families. "I was 15 at the time and found out my dad had passed. I just remember not fully processing it at first," Emma Wilkenson said.
Wilkenson, a Jacksonville native, was just a freshman in high school when her father, United States Navy Captain Wade Wilkenson, died by suicide after serving multiple deployments. "You don't really process grief until much later," she said. "At first, it was kind of initial shock."
Emma Wilkenson, her older sister, and her mother's lives changed forever. "It's kind of jarring because you go from being in this very, you know, in this community, that you've been part of your entire life to just being outside of it," Wilkenson explained. Wilkenson was connected with Children of Fallen Patriots, an organization that provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
"Our statistics show that most of our widows are making less than $50,000 a year, and they have two to three children on average," Cynthia Kim said. Cynthia Kim is co-founder of Children of Fallen Patriots. She says, so far, the organization has given away close to $52 million and helped 2,200 children. "Some of the kids don't even realize how much money is available to them. We help them access all the funding that's available to them," Kim added.
Because of this program, Emma graduated debt-free with her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She now works for the organization. "Having my dad die when I was 15 was very tragic. But, through the support that I've gotten from this organization and knowing the people that are behind me, I've been able to turn that into me helping other children like me," Wilkenson said.
Members of Swim With a Mission presented a $25,000 check to representatives of Children of Fallen Patriots in downtown Manchester on December 10.
