How War Affects Americans? Stories from America Supports You

And a young child shall lead them” is an old prediction originating in the Middle East. The saying may have referred to a prophecy of an expected Messiah, but in this story it refer to two children not just one. Rachel and Kelsi Okun are not out to save the world, but they are attempting to make it a better one, especially for other families—families of men and women fighting for liberty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One could imagine teenager creating their own organization. However, ThanksUSA is a non-profit launched by 11 year old Rachael and 8 year old Kelsi, With the help of mom and dad, who now run the organization, what began as a school and family event has grown into a national scholarship fund for military children and spouses.

Treasure Hunt Aiding Needs of Kids and Spouses of those serving the United States of America, (ThanksUSA) is way to assist military families by having educational fun. As the name of their organization indicates, the main event is a treasure hunt for answers to American history and trivia. Family members, students, teachers were enticed with sample questions and whoever answers the questions correctly receives small prizes. That was last year, this year more students, friends, even the local Girl Scouts are expected to participate in the contest. It will last until.

The will continue until the 4th of September. It is free to anyone who wants to participate, but the girls are hoping for generous donations to fund their scholarships. According to Kelsi, donations from last year’s treasure hunt totaled more than $500,000, which helped fund more than 100 scholarships. They hope that amount will be even greater this year.

The focus of this year's treasure hunt is about what makes our country so great. One of the main topics will be the pillars of democracy-- the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, according to Rachel.

To find out how to participate in the second ThanksUSA Treasure Hunt, visit the ThanksUSA web site.

Michael Dosedel is another child who inspired a start-up of a small business that is now serving our military. You may have already heard about the non-profit clothing shop called Sew Much Comfort of Michael’s mom. On the 23rd of March, ABC World New Tonight claimed Ginger Dosedel as “Person of the Week.”

According to Carmen Gleason of the American Forces Press Service, it all started when Michael was “had to undergo multiple surgeries on his legs that prohibited his wearing of regular clothing. His mom started making him clothing to accommodate the casts and large metal braces while he recuperated.” One thousand volunteers and three years later, their service of love is getting the national recognition it ought to have. In 2004, Sew Much Comfort began making adaptive clothing for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. With an expanding network of dedicated volunteers soldiers are being provided a wardrobe of adaptive clothing for injured soldiers around the world. You too can be apart of Sew Much Comfort. For more information visit their website www.sewmuchcomfort.org.

Those are only two of thousands of citizens who are demonstrating creative ingenuity, Purtian like hard-work, and the spirit of American generosity. This is how war and other tragedies affect good-hearted Americans.

Sources:

Defense Department photo by Samantha Quigley.

American Forces Press Service, Feb. 23, 2007, America Supports You: 'Treasure Hunt' Raises Scholarship Funds by Samantha L. Quigley.

American Forces Press Service, March 26, 2007, America Supports You: Home-front Group Draws Accolades by Carmen L. Gleason.