Generosity and gratitude are the thoughts that come to mind when I express my experience serving at the Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Heroes Hops & Harvest farm-to-table dinner. Cierra Adkins ask me if I could help her with a fundraiser event. My knowledge was limited, but my daughter and I went, looking forward to helping our Adkins friends.
Let me share with you what a wonderful experience we had. It was an honor to meet the guests, comprised of servicemen and women and their families. Until this event, I never really considered the sacrifice the families make. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always respected those called to serve in our military, but I just never considered all the sacrifices they and their families endure for our freedom. They pay a great price for us. I found myself taken back, because they continuously told us “thank you” for serving them that evening.
Yes, it was hot, and it was tiring, but we served food and bussed tables, that doesn’t compare to what they’ve done for our country. We are the ones who should be saying “Thank You for your service”.
The Yellow Ribbon fund shows support to our wounded warriors and their families. My friends shared with me how this organization loved on them like family, in a time of need. When they found themselves displaced from home, they brought home to them. They assisted with lodging, meals, childcare and spent time with them while their warrior was in the hospital. Loving on the caregiver(s) and the veteran was love expressed in action. It’s a family and you pay it forward. You share the same generosity by giving back to others in need.
The Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Heroes Hops & Harvest farm-to-table dinner was hosted by Michael & Stephanie Trost and Pokeadot Hops and Garden. This 25-acre farm has a mission: Organic practices, Air BnB, rescue animals (horses, lama, donkey, miniature horses). You can find more information on either by visiting their website https://yellowribbonfund.org/events/heroes-hops-and-harvest/ http://pokeadothopsandgarden.com/
It was a beautiful summer evening with live music, good food, and fellowship, with heroes comprised of both veterans and their families. Take the time to appreciate those that serve. Look up the “Missing Man Table” poem that was outlined in the program that really reflects how important these heroes are to us. Show gratitude to our military and their families. It was my honor to be there, and thank you to all that have served my country.