Your Support Restores Military Families Like Patti's

As the year comes to an end, we celebrate hope in the lives of our service members, military families, and families of the fallen by reflecting on the services we provide to impact their lives. This inspiring story of Patti demonstrates how programs within Hope For The Warriors® restore family not just to veterans, but the entire military family.

Patti and her husband, Ken, have been together for 19 years. Ken has served in the Marine Corps, as a police officer, and after 9/11, returned to military service by reenlisting in the Army. He was injured while serving in Iraq in May of 2007.  

Patti is more than a wife and mother—she is also her husband’s caregiver.  She is also a mediator and educator between the kids and their father.  She is the “pillar” that brings stability to the entire home.

Two years ago, Patti began to feel the weight of bearing such a large responsibility. Ken was having nightmares and survivor’s guilt, their youngest daughter had health issues, and Patti’s mother had been given only a year to live. Patti hardly had time to care for the growing needs of her family and no time to care for herself.

Fortunately, Patti connected with other caregivers through Facebook, meeting women that face the same challenges each day. One friend, Renee, invited Patti to join Hope For The Warriors® for a turkey hunting trip for caregivers only.  Patti and Ken have a keen passion for the outdoors, so she decided to attend the trip, arranged and paid for entirely by Hope For The Warriors® through the Outdoor Adventures Program.

Patti and the group were joined by The Turkey Thugs from The Outdoor Channel, along with their sponsor, the owner of Mossy Oak. When the hunt aired on television, Ken was able to see the relaxation and joy on Patti’s face. The trip was life changing for both husband and wife, reminding them of a shared sport they enjoyed before his injury. (View segment of the show.)

Patti (center) and the rest of the group during the 2013 hunt 

Patti found peace and insight during her trip, improving her outlook and ultimately her family’s path. Patti continued, “I know if I am patient enough, something will eventually come my way. Hope For The Warriors® reminded me that I can be [both] a caregiver and an individual.”

Patti attributes her renewed optimism and strength to Hope For The Warriors®. She learned that caring for herself would make a difference to her marriage and her family. She now works with Hope For The Warriors® within the Clinical Health & Wellness pillar, sharing her experiences as a caregiver and military spouse.

Patti & The Turkey Thugs during their 2013 hunt

Supporters are key to enabling Hope For The Warriors® accomplish our mission to restore family within the lives of service members, caregivers, and family members. We ask that you donate today to continue this cycle of support to our military families. Your contribution will go toward caregivers like Patti, who are dedicated to supporting their family’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Through your support, you join our mission to restore self, family, and hope.

P.S. If you are a military caregiver and would like to get connected to a private Facebook Network and planned 2015 Workshops, please email Patti [pkatter@hopeforthewarriors.org].