1st Platoon, Charlie Co, 3d AABN
Donation protected
As a Veteran's wife, I am often asked how people can give back to vets for the sacrifies they have made for our country. I usually do not have a good answer for this but that's what led me to start a go fund me page. So people can give back to our Veterans. Let me explain.
In 2006, 3d AABN Charlie Co deployed to Iraq. Saying goodbye to my Marine was incredibly difficult. They occupied one of the most dangerous locations in Iraq, where Marines were hated. They felt this hatred everyday and many are still haunted by this feeling. Shortly after they deployed, 4 Marines went on a mission and only 1, the driver, survived. Their humvee was hit by an improvised explosive devise, or IED. The 3 that didn't make it were a huge part of this platoon. I'll never forget the day my Marine called home and told me what happened. This definitely was not the plan. Up to this point, I truly did not understand that these boys were at war and the next few months would be the fight of their lives.
The platoon finally made it back after 7 long, grueling months. The unit marched on to Camp Pendleton and stood facing all of the families waving their American flags. We all sensed a heaviness about the platoon that we didn't understand. They were finally home. How could they be so sad? It took me years, but now I understand. They all felt guilty. The question that resonated within the platoon- "why wasn't it me?" -has taken years to address. I now understand it will remain unanswered. That's what these men went through. They left the states complete and returned broken. Many, if not all, suffer from PTSD. A piece of them died on that battlefield and more pieces of them keep dying. Two members of this platoon have tragically lost their lives since returning home. As a wife, it breaks my heart because I want to fix it, however, I can't. I can just be there and be supportive.
Fast forward to how you can help. I've wanted for some time now to put together a reunion. These guys need closure. They need to see each other again but we are all spread out over the United States. Each time I try to organize this, it doesn't happen because of financial issues. I thought this was the best way for the public to give back to YOUR Veterans. Let's help fund them to attend a reunion. It is scheduled for May 5 in Oklahoma. The survivor of the humvee that was hit by the IED is getting married and he deserves to be celebrated and hopefully freed of some of his guilt. The reunion is a separate event and is set to take place the day before the wedding. I am asking for donations to help with flights and lodging. We have about 30 people interested in attending and the funds would be split evenly amongst them. Any amount will help and is appreciated more than you know. Let's help say THANK YOU for your sacfices the best way we know how, by helping them attend this reunion.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and know that I am SO grateful for any donations you are able to give.
Catherine
In 2006, 3d AABN Charlie Co deployed to Iraq. Saying goodbye to my Marine was incredibly difficult. They occupied one of the most dangerous locations in Iraq, where Marines were hated. They felt this hatred everyday and many are still haunted by this feeling. Shortly after they deployed, 4 Marines went on a mission and only 1, the driver, survived. Their humvee was hit by an improvised explosive devise, or IED. The 3 that didn't make it were a huge part of this platoon. I'll never forget the day my Marine called home and told me what happened. This definitely was not the plan. Up to this point, I truly did not understand that these boys were at war and the next few months would be the fight of their lives.
The platoon finally made it back after 7 long, grueling months. The unit marched on to Camp Pendleton and stood facing all of the families waving their American flags. We all sensed a heaviness about the platoon that we didn't understand. They were finally home. How could they be so sad? It took me years, but now I understand. They all felt guilty. The question that resonated within the platoon- "why wasn't it me?" -has taken years to address. I now understand it will remain unanswered. That's what these men went through. They left the states complete and returned broken. Many, if not all, suffer from PTSD. A piece of them died on that battlefield and more pieces of them keep dying. Two members of this platoon have tragically lost their lives since returning home. As a wife, it breaks my heart because I want to fix it, however, I can't. I can just be there and be supportive.
Fast forward to how you can help. I've wanted for some time now to put together a reunion. These guys need closure. They need to see each other again but we are all spread out over the United States. Each time I try to organize this, it doesn't happen because of financial issues. I thought this was the best way for the public to give back to YOUR Veterans. Let's help fund them to attend a reunion. It is scheduled for May 5 in Oklahoma. The survivor of the humvee that was hit by the IED is getting married and he deserves to be celebrated and hopefully freed of some of his guilt. The reunion is a separate event and is set to take place the day before the wedding. I am asking for donations to help with flights and lodging. We have about 30 people interested in attending and the funds would be split evenly amongst them. Any amount will help and is appreciated more than you know. Let's help say THANK YOU for your sacfices the best way we know how, by helping them attend this reunion.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and know that I am SO grateful for any donations you are able to give.
Catherine
Organizer and beneficiary
Catherine Balavender
Organizer
Melbourne, FL
Brad Balavender
Beneficiary