ShadowFighter User Profile

Three years ago I was at Balad Air Base in Iraq. After one long day of work, these two airmen came in carrying some big boxes and on the top sat "Hero" decked out in a Santa hat and Rudolph red nose. They told us they had a treat for us and started passing out these Chinese food boxes decorated with a kid made turkey. Inside we found all kinds of goodies and a card. My card was signed by a little girl named Bailey and I guessed it was likely the Bailey was running the organization called Hero Hugs the packages had come from. The decorated box and the card came home with me from Iraq and three years later they both sit on my desk at work. Anytime I am having a hard day I read the words written by this sweet little girl and it reminds me that what I do is worth it.

Our unit borrowed Hero and took him out for some adventures, as many did. Our own kids loved us sending them photos of the bear and we took many knowing they would come in handy for presentations at schools and scout troops. We did several of those upon returning home and the photos of Hero were always the favorite for kids. We'd let the kids ask questions and all their questions would end up being about Hero! I hope the little girl gets her book published because I saw first hand how much this bear was not only aprreciated by our troops, but by kids. I think the book would be a top seller and Hero would become even more popular. Huge thanks to Bailey and all those who support her and help her! It is so refreshing to see someone so young giving back to others...Bailey you are no doubt my Hero!