We’re wrapping up our series covering the Home Depot Foundation Hometown Visits to our nation’s heroes in uniform. Check out Part I, Part II, and Part III if you haven’t had a chance.
She may be a Mom 24/7, but 247Moms blogger Trisha Novotny jumped at the chance to decorate a tree for a hero when Team Home Depot visited the Jennings family as part of their Celebration of Service 2012. Little did she know that in giving this gift, she would get an even bigger one in return.

Santa’s Little Helper
Before the laughter and lights, Trisha talked with the soldier, a wounded warrior, about his injuries, how they have impacted his family, and yet, remained incredibly positive about the future. “Each time I have been part of a Celebration of Service project with Home Depot I gain a greater appreciation and honor for our Veterans and those still serving today – They are true heroes who have sacrificed, given up and truly know the meaning of serving for the sake of others.”
After a delightful evening of holiday fun, Trisha and her boys shared the true spirit of the season. “As we drove away my boys and I discussed this is what Christmas is about serving and giving to others, making new friends and honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”
What a wonderful lesson for all of us.
Over at the HandmadeHome, blogger couple Jamin and Ashley Mills were thrilled. “We absolutely adore our veterans and their wonderful service to our country. Last week, we were blessed to take a little bit of Christmas cheer and goodies from Home Depot and Operation Homefront” to the Clark Family .
“We felt honored that these super kind people opened up their home to us and let us help spread a little Christmas cheer.”
Thank You, Jamin and Ashley, for representing how so many of us feel towards our military, veteran and wounded warrior families.
Last but certainly not least, we land in Grand Rapids Michigan with my Dale from Military Avenue and the Purvis family. The Military Avenue folks have been my Twitter buddies and I did a little happy dance to see they were a part of Home Depot’s Hometown Visits.
Among a living room “covered in pictures and memories from his multiple deployments and service to our country”,…
….a peek at (possibly) next year’s holiday style trend:

Super Model!
She makes it work.
“Throughout my time with the family we shared plenty of laughs and a few serious and emotional topics.”, writes Dale Kissinger, the Military Avenue blogger. That’s military life, though, and it is a full one.
But these are the faces we remember:
I am so blessed, as part of Operation Homefront’s Social Media Team, to witness, every day, the inspirational, the brave, the strength, the hope, and the love that defines the lives of the men and women (and their families) who pledge their lives in defense of our nation. It is a great day when I get to share with you how our communities give back. I hope you have enjoyed our recap of the Hometwon Visits with the Home Depot Foundation. To learn more about their pledge to donate $50 million in 3 years to veterans projects and support, or to learn about opportunities for service in your area all year round, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org
Happy Holidays!