My dear friend and fellow Airman, Staff Sergeant Hillary Stack, is going through a scary time: She's getting out of the Airforce and starting a new life for herself--and much sooner than she anticipated. Hillary, also known as "Stackers," is such an amazing person; a generous friend with an infectious laughter who has the amazing ability to make you feel loved and adored like family. She is a sister in arms and a sister to me--she even calls my father, "Dad."

This transition is tough for any service member, but there are a number of unfortunate circumstances that have been making the process particularly difficult. Hillary thought she had another year to prepare for the move to civilian life but her request for an extension for a medical board was denied. Ongoing medical issues sustained while serving two tours in Iraq and Qatar paired with an unexpected tumor recently discovered on her ovary have quickly become too costly to fix without insurance. Relationship problems not only caused heartbreak but now the mortgage for her beautiful home will become unmanageable as soon as her stable income ends in less than a month. Over the years Hillary has invested a lot of time, money and effort in to her house to make it a profitable resale one day--but then the real estate market never really boomed again in Martinez, Georgia. 

Hillary hopes to get to work as soon as possible doing something she loves--making delicious food and throwing beautiful parties--and turn it in to a successful catering business. But with the debt she is currently in and the looming end of her military career, she does not have the capital to get the business started.

If I could give her all the money myself I would because I believe in her. She has so much talent and the biggest heart, I know her passion project can become her saving grace. But since I can only spare so much myself, I decided to do more and start a GoFundMe for her (with her permission, of course.) 

If you've ever had to go through the military-to-civilian transition, had some financial struggles or even just a rough year--you might know how hard it is to ask for help. You might be able to imagine how stressful it is to be living in debt and unable to get back on track, and for this reason I turn to you. Help me help my sister pick herself back up and get started on her dream. I don't know if I can ever portray how much this means to her, but I can say that Hillary and I will be eternally grateful.
 
No donation is too small or insignificant. I thank you and Hillary thanks you for your support!

- Laura B, SSgt, USAF