I am chagrined to say that I didn’t think Hollywood cared at all about our troops and their families. I know -- it’s a stereotypical judgment. I thought these big-time producers and stars, for the most part, were largely disconnected and often critical of anyone associated with our nation’s defense. Well…I am incredibly encouraged by what I saw in Las Vegas last weekend.
Take a look at this photo:
This little girl’s daddy, Staff Sgt. Daniel Wagoner, was KIA on September 14, 2007, in Iraq when the little girl, Diana, was just 3 years old. Her mother left the scene soon after, leaving Diana in the care of her grandma, Daniel’s mom, Diane (far right in the picture). Well, Diana and Diane were two of the Gold Star Miss Americas in attendance at last week’s television broadcast. One of the judges, Mike Fleiss, producer of the hugely popular “The Bachelor” series (the guy in the photo), heard about this VIP group and immediately contacted us in December to make a generous donation for any of these families needing a better Christmas. It caught them by total surprise, and you can see how Diana felt when she got to meet Mike.
The host of “The Bachelor,” Chris Harrison, was the MC for the Miss America broadcast, and he too went all out to welcome our VIPs to Miss America during rehearsals. This heartfelt support was evidenced throughout the week, and the most common sentiment I heard—from stars, contestants, producers, executives—was how humbled they felt to be around our Gold Star Miss Americas. That’s exactly right.
It's a tremendous and humbling honor to spend time with our Gold Star families. I simply don't feel worthy. For some, it had been a year since they received the tragic news, and others, more like four or five years. This is an exclusive "club" that no one wants to join, and I felt intrusive as they started comparing notes on their visits to Arlington, and what their children leave at their Daddy's gravesite. Their homes are truly "the home of the brave." A great big salute to our Gold Star Miss Americas 2012!
If you would like to nominate moms, wives, or daughters for next year, please email me directly at shawkes@remembermyservice.com. Thank you!
It's a tremendous and humbling honor to spend time with our Gold Star families. I simply don't feel worthy. For some, it had been a year since they received the tragic news, and others, more like four or five years. This is an exclusive "club" that no one wants to join, and I felt intrusive as they started comparing notes on their visits to Arlington, and what their children leave at their Daddy's gravesite. Their homes are truly "the home of the brave." A great big salute to our Gold Star Miss Americas 2012!
If you would like to nominate moms, wives, or daughters for next year, please email me directly at shawkes@remembermyservice.com. Thank you!
