HOMES FOR HEROES - Minneapolis MN

Ashcraft Family with Homes for Heroes staff




There have been several moments on this trip where I have felt moved and inspired.  In large part, those moments have been attributed to individuals and organizations who don't simply perform an act of kindness at some point in their life, but rather, make their life about performing acts of kindness.  Today it was an absolute pleasure to be in the company of individuals who have dedicated their lives to doing just that.  And, they have done it to the tune of over $10 million dollars for the "hero community".  I am speaking of Homes for Heroes, rooted in Minneapolis MN. 


Shortly after mailing our letters out to the donors who we wished to visit along our journey, we received a response from their organization. 
 

Now that we've made it to the Minnesota portion of our route, our chance had come to stop by and visit.  The drive to their office from where we parked the bus was about an hour in a rental car.  The boys were all fast asleep by the time we arrived.



Choice, Tate, and Ryder





I figured that rather than waking them, Shiloh and I would make this visit alone.  After all, the last thing a place of business needs are four rambunctious children in their office while they are trying to wrap up their work week. 



Shiloh and Juliann



However, shortly upon meeting these amazing men and women I realized that they were extraordinary and their idea of how this visit would go was anything but formal and stiff.  I went and woke the boys so they could enjoy this experience as much as Shiloh and I did.  While I enjoyed chatting with different staff members about the history and ins and outs of their organization, the men started a full blown game of Dodge Ball with the kids right in the middle of the office. 



Ryder, Choice, Tate, and Shiloh with Homes for Heroes staff





Shiloh, Ryder, Choice, and Tate with Homes for Heroes staff

Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice at Homes for Heroes

Ryder, Tate, Shiloh, and Choice

Tate, Ryder, Choice, and Shiloh at Homes for Heroes

Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh with Homes for Heroes staff



Choice, Tate, Ryder Shiloh, and Homes for Heroes staff



Tate, Ryder, Choice, and Shiloh playing with Homes for Heroes staff





Ryder, Choice, Tate, and Shiloh with Homes for Heroes staff





Along with improving their athletic skills, these members of Homes for Heroes taught the kids many lessons simply by their energy and playful manner.  Each of my kids were laughing and full of smiles.  They felt loved by the men and women there and comfortable with them.  They never wanted to leave.  It was evident that these are the necessary characteristics of an individual who dedicates their life to the service of others.  They understand that the real work they are doing is in the mark they make on the world through their influence and interaction.  Playing with the kiddos was every bit as important to them as the phone calls and business assignments they had waiting for them at their desks. This is what makes them special.  The kids were learning how to be superheroes by way of their examples.





Shiloh

Choice




They have uplifting words of encouragement scattered throughout their office.  On their walls, you will find motivational sentiments written...

One in particular caught my eye and we have adopted it as a mantra for this trip we've undertaken...



It was apparent in their words, deeds, and hospitable disposition that this group always takes this mantra upon themselves.  They are achieving miracles in the lives of many throughout the "hero community".  They bless the lives of firefighters, police officers, military (active and veterans), health care workers, and teachers.  They recognize the value of everyday heroes and reward them for putting their lives on the line to serve and protect others.  In their own words, here is some information about their organization...


Homes for Heroes® is the nation’s largest hero savings program, offering savings and rebates to firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical services, military (active and veterans), healthcare workers and teachers when they buy, sell or refinance a home. The program was created after the tragic events of 9/11 as a “Thank you” to the men and women who have given so much. As of June 2015, Homes for Heroes has given back over $10 million to our country's heroes and helped more than 6,000 heroes and their families.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is a public charity, non-profit 501(c)(3) established by Homes for Heroes to provide and / or coordinate financial assistance and housing resources to our nations’ heroes. The foundation will provide cash assistance and / or will negotiate added value in donated local services for desperately needed home repairs. In 2014, the foundation assisted 60 heroes. 90% of those heroes were to be evicted or be homeless. The foundation is on track to double the number of heroes assisted in 2015.

Ashcraft Family with Homes for Heroes staff


HOMES FOR HEROES STAFF
President:         Ruth Johnson
HR/Payments:       Kacy Miner        
Foundation:          Helen Johnson   
National Director:    Abby Waltz           
General Manager:     Christopher Bowles
Sales Manager:      Dyan Nielsen      
Technical Director:     Jeff Bullert               
Affiliate Success Team:   Kathy Yang                   
Bookkeeper:          Kim Kjellberg    
Director of Marketing:     Luke Feldbrugge           
Office Administrator:     Melissa Downing        
Affiliate Success Team:    Nikki Black                   
Friends of Heroes:      Seth Jeska               
Payments:              Umila Tamaldeo
Affiliate Success Team:    Vicki Czech                   
Sales Director:       Annie Geurrero  
Sales Director:       Bonnie Carlson  
Sales Director:      Chad Granger    
Sales Director:     Joe Johnson      
Sales Director:       Julie Kasa           
Sales Director:      Luke Rieger       
Sales Director:       Michael Madison
        

Ashcraft Family with Homes for Heroes staff

They gave each of us a Homes for Heroes shirt.  The kids were eager to put them on and remember their time with their new friends.  They also gave us a hat, rubber duckies for the kids, and some of the beloved dodge balls they'd used during the visit. 







Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, Ryder, and Tate





Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, Ryder, and Tate

What does it mean to be a hero?  That has become a buzz word for me over the past two years.  I've heard countless times that my husband and 18 friends are "heroes".  While it's an honor to hear such endearing words about people I cherish, I was always left contemplating the meaning of that title.  I watched my husband go to and from work diligently and with full commitment.  I watched as his heart and skills were strengthened while his hands, back, and clothing were destroyed.  I took note of how he never turned down an assignment or asked "why me".  I experienced holidays where I was celebrating with our children and other family members while Andrew was working hard out on a fire line.  I was blessed to watch little league games and swimming lessons and every small detail of our children's childhood while he had to live them second hand via phone calls and written correspondence.  I replay in my mind over and over again the events that led up to him losing his life among the blaze in Yarnell.  He never felt sorry for himself.  He never asked for accolades or recognition.  He worked as hard as he could with every fiber of his being to protect the man working next to him.  They all did.  There isn't room for selfishness in the hero community.  The word "I" isn't in the vocabulary.  To be a hero isn't to be the most recognized, but rather the most impactful.  Teachers, soldiers, first responders...these individuals do what they do so other people's lives will be better as a result of their hard work.  The harder Andrew worked didn't result in more income.  The harder Andrew worked didn't win him fame or status.  The harder Andrew worked directly resulted in the amount of homes saved from wildfire.  The harder he worked resulted in the safety of his fellow crewmen working alongside him.  The harder he worked, the better the world around him could be.  And THAT, is what I consider a hero...someone who works for the common good and not for their own merit.  They are selfless, they are fearless, they are stalwart, they are strong, and they are all around us in our communities. 

The sad reality is that Andrew and his brothers were not recognized as heroes until after they paid the ultimate sacrifice.  I too was guilty of being oblivious to the true heroic nature of their work.  Now, I make it a point to thank those around me who are part of this "hero community".  Thank a first responder or a soldier when you see them.  Send a note of gratitude to a teacher who made a difference in your life or the lives of your children.  Remember those who have afforded you the safety, education, and freedom that you enjoy, for those are the heroes among you.



Tate, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, and Shiloh





Many thanks to the men and women involved with Homes for Heroes for recognizing and giving back to these heroes and their families.  Our family is only one of hundreds of families who have been blessed by them.  If you are interested in getting involved with their great organization or lending them your support, please check out their website, linked below.

HomesforHeroes.com

Shiloh, Tate, Juliann, Choice, Ryder, and Rusty

http://homesforheroes.com/blog/juliann-ashcraft-wife-of-fallen-granite-mountain-hotshot-tours-u-s-to-spread-the-better