"The Newbauer family is very deserving of this trip. Staff Sgt Brandy and Staff Sgt Paul Newbauer were married in Dec 2006; 2 months before they both left for separate deployments. Times have been tough with them both serving in the Air Force, but somehow they seem to keep it together. They recently had a baby girl named Jaylah who is currently 4 months old. They sacrifice so much to ensure they have a happy loving family even if they can't always be together. Paul is currently at training for a month before he deploys for six months in August. Even though he will miss so much in his baby's life; he is thrilled and proud to be able to serve his country. The Newbauers deserve so much because they always thinking of others and they put their mission in the Air Force right alongside with their family. They are such proud Airmen and parents."

"Sgt. Corey McGee, a U.S. Army Ranger for the 10th mountain division in Fort Drum was shot in the neck during a mission to help a convoy that was hit very badly by enemy combatants. After saving four lives that day by driving other injured soldiers while he was losing blood from his neck, he went into shock that led to a coma for a week only to wake up as a quadriplegic due to swelling in his C-2. After the swelling went down a month later he regained his upper body and was told he would never walk again. A year later after many surgeries he walks proudly and spends most of his time with his amazing wife and plays with his children. He was nominated for the bronze star and received two purple hearts and the Army Commendation with Valor. He currently works at the Department of Veterans Affairs helping other veterans like himself. He loves his wife and kids more than his own life and that that is just one of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day."

"Sgt. Jesse Gooch is currently on tour in Afghanistan with HHC 2-121. He and his wife Melena have 5 kids, one of which is legally blind. Melena is raising the kids while he is gone PLUS she is the chair of the Family Readiness Group. She recently put her fear aside and ministered to the widow and children of Sgt. John Beale who was KIA on June 4th. Melena stands ready to assist and take care of any and all families of those who are deployed while taking care of her own family. I am proud to know the Gooch family and am certain that they would enjoy this much needed vacation. They have given so much to our country these last few years."

"My wife A1C Ashley T. Clay serves in the United States Air Force. She is a mother of a 2 year old little boy and is serving very proudly. When our son was born August 8, 2007 she was called to serve in Afghanistan the following Christmas so our little boy spent his first Christmas without his mommy. She served successfully and has come home safe and is scheduled to return to Afghanistan this October and will miss this Christmas. She's active duty so we expect to have these times apart. I'd love to see our son and my wife take a trip we've never been able to take. Thanks for reading and above all pray for my wife and all the others who miss their families."

"The McKenzie family never had a honeymoon or much time for family vacations. Sergeant Reginald McKenzie has been deployed four times in the last seven years for 3 - 12 months at a time. With four military schools, four relocations, childbirths, and yet another 12 month deployment at the end of this year; It’s no small wonder this family needs a vacation! Mrs. McKenzie serves as Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader in support of 160 families in her husband’s troop. She is a PTA leader, MOP and works to support their child with special needs. Still this close knit family of five cherishes the time they have together and are proud to serve our great country!"