Operation Homefront provides children with back-to-school supplies

Published Aug. 3, 2012
By Senior Airman Christopher Gross
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Children of service members and wounded warriors from Team Buckley are able to start off their upcoming school year with new supplies Aug. 3, thanks to Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront provided more than 150 backpacks and supplies to children of all grades as they get ready to enter this school year.

The organization is a non-profit with this field office being located out of Colorado Springs, Colo. They support service members, their families and wounded warriors throughout the state as well as Wyoming. They provide emergency financial assistance and provide several functions throughout the year for military families.

"The military gives so much, and it's the least we can do," said Carol Harp, Operation Homefront Rocky Mountains field office director, about why the organization does what it can to support the military and their families.

The backpacks were split into two categories for those in elementary and high school. Aside from the backpacks, students received supplies such as notebooks, binder, pens, rulers, calculators and more.

Those families who came out to receive school supplies were very grateful for the opportunity.

"It's always nice to get a little extra help," said Dana Silva, who has children entering the first and third grade. "It's nice to know military families are appreciated."

Harp said one of the most rewarding parts of doing these functions is how appreciative and happy the children are.

"It touches my heart, I'm so excited that we can help bring a smile to their face," Harp said. "They know that they're going to school with a new backpack and new supplies and we're happy that we can be the ones to provide it to them."

Aside from the school supply give-a-way, Operation Homefront provides several events for service members and their families throughout the year. These events include holiday programs, freedom walk and runs, baby showers and more. To view future events or to find out how to get involved, visit their website at http://www.operationhomefront.net/RockyMountains/.