Honored to be Mrs. Kathyjo Rushing. My husband, Chris Rushing, is my hero. He came into my life when I was at my lowest. Alone due to the fact that I was an "Angel wife" for the last 5.5 years. My heart was so broken. All I did was work. He walked up to me in a crowd and said, "Are you married?" I was so upset I left in tears. I married him 5 weeks later!

We were only married for 14 months (to the day) when he was killed in the 2023 final race at the Reno Airport. After winning his 5th and last gold medal at the finish line, another plane collided with him and both veteran pilots were killed instantly. I witnessed his death at the flight line. My life has never been the same.

After losing both husbands in tragic accidents, I ask myself, "What is my purpose?" And God spoke to me: "SERVE OTHERS." Six months ago, I packed up a few of my personal belongings and moved from CA to TN. I rented my home out (with the entire contents) to a lovely family that lost everything in the Palisades Fire. My first assignment: volunteer with the U.S.O. and Habitat for Humanity.

Last week, I was shopping at a store, and I overheard a small boy show his mom what he wanted from Santa Claus. She gently reminded him that this year Santa was bringing Christmas dinner as their gifts because daddy is in the service. I moved to the next aisle to hide my tears. God just gave me a new assignment.

OPERATION SANTA CLAUS

Why the military? My hero husband enlisted in the U.S.A.F. (4 years), National Guard (36 years), and was the President of the Condor Squadron, which flies WWII T-6 airplanes (non-profit) for military funerals and national holidays to honor the military veterans that gave their time and life for our country.

During the D.C. shutdown, our heroes in the military are not getting paid. Christmas and holiday celebrations are just around the corner. Like this little boy I overheard in the store, "Santa will not be visiting their homes." I will be working with U.S.O. and Fort Campbell to collect money and get gift cards out to as many families as I can so we collectively can save Christmas. The gift cards will be given to the parents so they can shop for their children like regular parents do. This is what Christmas is all about. Giving from your heart. Sacrificing whatever you can afford. If we all work together, we can save Christmas and bring joy to our heroes in the military that allow us to sleep safely at night.

Will you please join me in donating to this cause whatever you can spare to make this Christmas special for the children, teens, and young adults that sacrifice their parents to keep us safe?

~Blessings, Mrs. Kathyjo Rushing~