“We were not only starved for food, but we were starved for human kindness.” Eva Mozes Kor (Holocaust Survivor)

When I first received this email years ago, I never thought I would be sharing it once let alone twice!

I had signed up and began to send care-packages/letters to a deployed soldier through Soldiers’ Angels.

Although I hadn’t heard from my adopted soldier, I knew our military was busy, so I just continued to mail care-packages/letters.

Then one day I received this email:

HELLO GRACE,

I’M CARVELL LOCKETT. I’M EMAILING YOU TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME THIS DEPLOYMENT. I NEVER EXPECTED TO RECEIVE SO MANY LETTERS AND GOODIES. THERE WERE SO MANY TIMES THAT I SHOWED UP AT WORK AND JUST DIDN’T FEEL LIKE DOING ANYTHING BUT WOULD HAVE A LETTER/CARE-PACKAGE FROM YOU AND AFTER READING MY WHOLE ATTITUDE WOULD CHANGE. YOU SOUND LIKE A VERY BEAUTIFUL PERSON THAT TOOK THE TIME TO MAKE MY DAYS AND DEPLOYMENT BETTER AND I’M THANKFUL. ATTACHED IS A RANDOM PICTURE OF ME DOING DAILY THINGS SO YOU CAN PUT A FACE WITH THE NAME.

YOUR SOLDIER AND FRIEND

SGT CARVELL LOCKETT

This email made me cry and encouraged me to finish the Military Tribute Quilt Project I was working on. It was to honor all the military on behalf of the members in my family, including my Dad.

This tribute was completed with help from so many veterans and countless others. It raised thousands to send care-packages to our military.

I shared this story that inspired the project (which went national) and encouraged others to donate money for care packages to an organization called Soldiers’ Angels. Some even asked for information to adopt a soldier as well.

At that time while getting permission to use the above email, Sgt. Lockett said the following:

“It truly was great receiving a care package, just the small things can help you get through the hardest times in life.”

This year with Veterans Day approaching, I decided to share this story again since Sgt. Lockett is now a disabled veteran. I never imagined when I adopted him as a soldier that I would gain both a great friend on facebook and an honorary adopted brother as well!

Besides that I never dreamed that the one small act of adopting a soldier would have a ripple effect that would reach countless people around our state, nation and the world – literally crossing the ocean.

What act could you do today that might have a ripple effect even if it is just in your home, neighborhood or city?

For veterans you don’t have to ask that question! They have already put everything on the line. This year around Veterans Day (or whenever you are reading this post), I want to say thank you to every veteran for all you have done to keep us free. Your sacrifice is priceless!

To those trying to find a way to support those actively serving or who have always wanted to adopt a soldier below are links to the organization, Soldiers’ Angels, where I adopted Sgt. Carvell Lockett.

Adopt a Soldier Link: https://soldiersangels.org/landing-page-adopt-a-soldier/

Donate To Soldiers Serving: https://soldiersangels.org/donate/

My hope is that your actions today have a positive ripple effect to touch those who need it most!

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you all!