Castro Family Testimonial

With the recent news of President Obama’s  announcement for troop increases to Afghanistan, we have seen a huge upsurge in family’s requesting our services. We are pleased to be able to support our little hero’s as the Moms and Dads deploy to support us all.

This is a recent recipients letter of thanks. From the Castro’s an Army Family living in Germany.

The Family Story as Told by the deploying father, Sergeant Castro

I have a 2 year old son that just broke my heart saying goodbye to. We are very close to each other. Since I left he would cry for me. It breaks my heart for my wife to deal with this every day for a year.

This is the recent email we received from Imani’s mom

Thank you so much for this wonderful program! Imani received his Daddy Doll today and was so excited to get to hug and kiss his miniature daddy!

Imani is 2 1/2 years old and this is already his 2nd deployment. His Dad left for Afghanistan the first time when he was only 6 days old and just recently left again for another tour last month. He was so excited to own his Daddy Doll. He now takes him everywhere in the house. Once again, thank you for this wonderful gift..

Respectfully,

Julie Castro

Related Posts:

Beltran Family Testimonial

Afghanistan Troop Surge – Public Opportunity to support littlest hero’s

Deployment Effects on Children of Military Families – SPECIAL REPORT -

Press Release December 2, 2009

Afghanistan troop surge:

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero® offers public opportunity to support ‘littlest heroes’

Members of the public are invited to join OPERATION Hug-A-Hero in easing the burden of separation from military parents to be deployed in Afghanistan troop surge.

Jacksonville, NC (PRWEB) December 2, 2009 — With the recent announcement that an additional 30,000 troops will be deployed to Afghanistan, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero has stepped forward to help provide comfort to America’s “littlest heroes,” the children of America’s service men and women who will soon deploy.

A 501(c)(3) organization serving the children of military, law enforcement and first responder families, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero provides durable, washable high quality dolls with a full-body photograph of a parent to children of America’s heroes.

With the news that additional service members will deploy in support of the Afghanistan troop surge as early as next month, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero is determined to do its part to honor and support the children left at home.

“It is very easy for the public to lend their support,” said Lisa Berg, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Executive Director. “Donations may be made online by going to our website, www.operationhugahero.org/. It’s that simple, and givers will have the pleasure knowing their contributions have added to the quality of life for one or more of those children in need.”

“Though a doll cannot solve every issue a child may face while their parent is deployed, it certainly goes a long way to providing an emotional security blanket for the littlest heroes at home,” said Tricia Dyal, OPERATION Hug-A-Hero Co-Founder. “We’ve even heard of children keeping their parent in the circle of family life by photographing the Hug-A-Hero doll at every significant family event, such as a birthday party or holiday celebration.”

Anything that can reduce stress, relieve anxiety and bring comfort to the child of a deployed service member is an important endeavor, said Berg.

“If you have been wondering what you can do to give back to America’s heroes, then now is the time to act. Please consider putting a service member’s mind at ease by doing this kindness for his or her child. I have seen the impact these dolls have made on the lives of the children and families who have received them,” said Berg. “I know we can get a Hug-A-Hero doll into the arms of every child in need.”

Note: Members of the media interested in covering this story may contact Lisa Berg via e-mail at lisa@operationhugahero.org or by telephone at (910) 546-3127.

Download a copy of this PressRelease