OHF Posted Our Story on Their Site

Operation Homefront added us to their National Highlights and to the recipients of the  houses! 

Below is the article, but make sure to check out their actual website on this article!

To view Operation Homefront's site, please click HERE

And of course, if you are in a position to give back, there are two ways you can do so:
1 - Donate financially directly to OHF on their website, by clicking HERE
And/Or
2 - Check out my Facebook Event page I am running indefinitely by clicking HERE and joining the event. Wounded Warrior Wives is a program ran by Operation Homefront. You can read about WWW, by clicking HERE The flyer for my Giving Back to Wounded Warrior Wives is at the bottom of this post.

McGraw, Chase and Operation Homefront Donate Home to Wounded Warrior in Georgia

Operation Homefront was pleased to join Tim McGraw and Chase to award a mortgage-free home to Staff Sergeant Kevin Biddle, US Army (Retired). The Biddles were invited to attend McGraw's concert, meet him personally and get the news about their home. His wife, Brittney, blogged about the move and being surprised even more by receiving vouchers to buy new furniture for their home from American Signature Furniture.

Read the rest of their story:
For as long as he could remember, Kevin wanted to be in the Army. In 2003, he decided to make that career decision and joined the Army in Kennesaw, Georgia. After enlisting, going through all his basic and advanced training, as a 92 Foxtrot, fuel handler, he, his wife Brittney, and his daughters Breanna and Caitlin, headed for their first assignment with the 1st Armored Division in Germany. Life was good.

But all good things had to come to an end, so in 2006, the Biddle’s moved to Fort Bliss, Texas where Kevin was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. The days were long and he was advancing in his specialty, but before long, and not too much after the birth of his son, Nicholas, he began what was to be his first of two deployments to Iraq.

While in Iraq with the “First Team,” Kevin’s duties went far beyond fuel handling. It also included vehicle gunner and other convoy security duties. Convoys were often attacked with improvised explosive devices, mortars, or armed assaults. It was during one such incident in 2007, near Mosul, that Staff Sgt. Biddle found his convoy under an intense attack and he was severely injured. He was treated in country and finished out his combat tour and came home in late 2007.

After a short time at home with his family at Fort Bliss, SSG Biddle was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, where he met a few of his fellow warriors from the 1st Armored Division units in Germany in which he had served earlier. Again, it wasn’t long until he was headed back to Iraq. It was there that after being exposed to RPG, mortar, and rocket attacks, the full extent of the injuries from his previous tour became evident. He was medevac’d home during his 2009 deployment because of the nerve/spinal damages worsening so the pain became too intense for him to wear his gear and hold his weapon. Also, while his PTSD had started to show when he returned home from his first deployment, it was not professionally diagnosed until late 2009.

He returned to Fort Bliss in late 2009. After months of surgeries, procedures, therapies, appointments, and permanent profiles, Kevin began the Medical Evaluation Board process in early 2010. In late September of 2011, Kevin got the news that he was being medically retired.

Since November 12, 2011, the Biddle’s have been living in Mena, AR, hoping to start the transition into the "normal" civilian life. Little did they know that "normal" was out of the question. They hoped Mena would provide the small town life to help Kevin to adjust to life outside of the Army. However, the numerous, constant, and log distant VA visits needed for his recovery caused even more physical pain and issues. Currently, they live with their three children, now 10, 9 and 5 and their pit bull, Riley, who has become a therapy to Kevin. Riley picks up on his mood changes, nightmares and so much more before anyone else can.

The Biddle’s discovered Operation Homefront after hearing about it through word of mouth. They decided to submit an application for a home, never dreaming they would actually receive a call. They hoped to return to Georgia to be closer to their family, as well as better medical care not only for Kevin, but also for the rest of the family. Through the ‘Homes on the Homefront’ program, the Biddle’s were awarded with a mortgage free home in Macon, Georgia, only a couple hours away from family. This new home will finally give them the opportunity to stabilize their family in a place where Kevin can get the medical treatment and rehabilitation he needs, and Brittney and her children can have a more normal life, get their respective educations, good healthcare, and be able to look toward a long, bright future.


My Flyers for my Giving Back to Wounded Warrior Wives event:

Unconditional Bonds

As summer came to an end this past weekend, we were fortunate enough to spend it with dear friends, who are more family than friends to us. All Friday, Kevin looked at me as though I had lost my mind, as I raced through the house cleaning and making sure things were "perfect". Little did he know that we had friends arriving that evening that we had not seen in years and that they would be spending the entire weekend with our family! For over a month, I had spent time "scheming" with our Glenda and Rob Kiser as well as Kris Valencia on their trip to Macon. For those of you that are not sure of these friends - we were all close to inseparable in Germany. We have seen Kris since our PCS from Germany in 2006, but not The Kiser Family.

Friday afternoon, our doorbell rang and for once I refused to open the door. Instead, I continued sitting in the living room, reading a book I was reviewing for Family Of a Vet, Inc. Kevin, not very happily, went to the door and peeked outside, then slowly looked at me, quite pissy and said "I'm not opening the damn door. You get up and do it". With an irritated look, I simply told him he was there, so go ahead and open the door. With frustration because he had no idea who was on the other side, he opened the door and ended up with the biggest smile on his face as he realized that Kris Valencia was at our house. The look on his face brought a smile to mine!

As we all hung out in the kitchen, making dinner, Kevin decided to pick up my phone when a text alert rang. For those of you that know Kevin, this NEVER happens! He honestly never messes with my phone. However, of all days - this is the one he decided to check it out. When he saw Glenda's name he instantly assumed that they were coming out as well. Now, if you know me - you know I suck at lying and even though  said "no" the answer was written all over my face. In that one moment, I wanted to cry because of month of planning was reveled instead of being a surprise arrival. Yet, to see the look in his eyes made things okay. He was truly excited to see Rob and the family. He looked like a little kid.

We spent the rest of the evening catching up with Kris and laughing until around 9:30 when I received the text that the Kiser's were right around the corner. Without hesitation, Kevin and Kris decided to go outside to "smoke". We were all standing outside as a truck slowly approached out house and whipped into the driveway - parking incredibly crooked and making it hard for anyone on the passenger side to get out. Full of enthusiasm, Robert hopped out of the drivers seat and him and Kevin were guy hugging.

From there, the kids all rambunctiously headed into the house and upstairs. It was like they had never been apart. Nicholas was the only "new" one to the group since Germany. All of the adults migrated to the backyard, where we stayed until after three in the morning, catching up and laughing. I took quite a few pictures that I sadly lost Saturday morning when I attempted to update my cell phone.

Me and Glenda

On Saturday morning, we started preparing for more people to arrive at our house that evening for our small Housewarming gathering. To all that made it out, thank you so much! We had a fabulous time with all that showed: My cousin Courtney with her husband Nick and their son, Eli; Aunt Denise (who I have not seen in so many years! What a blessing to hug her and see her!), Aunt Susan, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sarah Norris with her husband Chad, and children Matthew and Kaylin (Chandler Norris - we missed you!!!), and Kev's last surprise visitor and our friends, Jason Brentzel with his wife, Heather and their kids, Hayden and Logan. To say everyone had a great time together, would be an understatement. We all enjoyed hanging out, laughing, chatting, and eating! The men of course ended up migrating to the backyard drinking a few beers and the ladies stayed inside, sipping on cocktails, while the children played. To all that came, thank you so much for leaving us with such an enjoyable evening! It was wonderful seeing each of you and we cannot wait to do it again!

Kris, Jason, Rob, and Kev

Sarah, Kaylin, and Chad (being silly)

Heather and me

Me and Glenda

Jason, Kev, and Susan

Nate, Naisha, Hayden, Nic & Bre

The Adults - Taken by a child

Me and Aunt Susan

Bre and Naisha helping set up

Adults

*If you read our blog posts by email updates, please go to http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2012/09/unconditional-bonds.html to watch the 3 videos below.* No we do not normally let our children do what they are doing in the videos, it was only fun for this one night. Yes, the middle video is Glenda. She had to be a kid just once ! lol

Sunday was spent being lazy. We said our goodbyes to Kris as he headed back to Florida. We cleaned up for a bit and then ate dinner together at our house. Schnitzel, potato salad, pasta salad, and I cannot remember what else! It was quite tasty and enjoyable. We all called it a night fairly early compared to the two previous late nights. Our kids had school the following morning and the Kiser's would be beginning their six hour journey back home.

Glenda and I saw this at Publix and she immediately said it was perfect for Kevin. 

The kids licking cake mix out of the mixing bowl

Silly kids - posing after licking the bowl clean. We were just missing Naisha in this photo.

The little monsters decorating cake balls

Me and Glenda. I love this pic!

Glenda making her yummy schnitzel

Love the look, babe! Kev and Rob

Riley decided to steal Rob from Glenda last weekend!

On Monday morning, we all woke up around 7ish to get ready for the day. Kev and I wok the kids and got them all ready for school as the Kiser's started gathering their belongings and preparing for their trip home. The kids of course didn't want to go to school that day, Nic being the only one who ended up not going due to being a bit sick. Kevin took the girls to school and the rest of us met him at Waffle House for breakfast, where we stayed for well over an hour - prolonging the dreaded goodbyes and hugs. 

In life, it is rare that we fall into relationships that leave us with unconditional bonds. It is even more rare that these bonds tie two couples together.

The one thing we learned over the weekend is that no matter the amount of time that goes by, when friendships truly exist, distance will never be an obstacle. Nerves may have been in existence as the time approaches to see people after so many years, but the truth in relationships shines through the moment you see someone and the moment you are all engaging in hugs. Everything seems to fall right back into place and you feel comfort of being surrounded by people you realize you would be lost without. Until next time Rob, Glenda, Nate and Naisha, we love each of you and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for being friends/family that is a rare thing in life. We cannot wait for our next weekend together!

And more than anything, Welcome Home, Rob! Robert returned from Afghanistan the week before they made the trip to our house! Not only was this past weekend to celebrate our new home and being back in Georgia, but also to celebrate Robert's homecoming!

Moving to Macon

Yes, I know, this update is a bit behind. We are a day shy of living in our new house for two weeks and what a crazy two weeks it has been!

Two weeks ago we were cleaning our house in Mena, loading the last bit of our belongings into the moving trailer, and preparing the dreaded "See you soon's". We were preparing ourselves for an all night drive from Mena to Macon and praying it all went as planned, which thankfully it did. We left Mena around 6:30 in the evening and made it to Macon the following morning around 11:30. The weather from Mena to Hot Springs was not the best at all, but we managed to make it through. We drove through a couple areas of construction from Little Rock to Birmingham. We ate brunch at Waffle House - which of course was the PERFECT way to start our new lives back in Georgia!

As we pulled onto our new street, camera men from CNN were at our house and filming every move from us parking, to getting out of our vehicles, to us walking through the house. At the end, they did a brief interview with us, the kids, Andrea with OFH, and Rusty with Chase. It was a bit overwhelming in a sense being that we had been awake for so many hours and were exhausted. Honestly, I could not even pull my words together for the interview because I could not think things through. It was hard to process exactly what I was thinking because I was still trying to process our new house! Okay, I would be lying if I said I am still not trying to process it all!!! Kevin was a bit apprehensive about things and was having a hard time with questions and with cameras. It was a bit difficult for him, but just like many people, we want society to see good things happening to veterans and their families. Too often we are all overloaded with the negative things in life and with war. I just wish I had the interview to do over when I can actually think clearly and process things more.

When we pulled up, to say emotions flew everywhere would be an understatement. Our house is bigger than it looks in photos. It is GORGEOUS inside and out! We finally all have room to live and be ourselves. Our girls have their own rooms!!! That alone is AMAZING.

As soon as we pulled up to our house, I instantly felt overpowered by emotions and became very shaky as I got out of the car and walked to the yard. Of course, as soon as I was standing in front of our house I started with some tears. I actually did very well in containing myself as we walked through. Maybe it's because I was so exhausted! For me, it has been a LONG week with conference in Atlanta, driving back to Mena, then moving...not to mention all the cleaning and packing before and after conference.  We talked outside for a few minutes then entered our house for the tour... WOW! As we entered the house, there was a plant in the foyer (yes, I have actually been watering it!), our dining room on the right, what is now my office on the left. It should be the formal living room, but it's not. The steps are on the right, past the dining room. Past that, is the family room with a fireplace on the left, the kitchen, eat-in kitchen, pantry, and then half bath all on the right. The coat closet is on the backside of where the steps are and in the small hall/entry from the kitchen to our dining room. The backyard is fully enclosed by a 6ft privacy fence, is flat and perfect for the kids to play in. The downstairs is all tile. As we walked up the stairs, Andrea grabbed my hand and told us we had to close our eyes because we would love what is at the top of the steps. When she told us to open them, we were in awe. Our bedroom greets anyone that goes upstairs with french doors and a big room. (I know y'all are all just dying to see the photos now!!! Soon...) We walked into our room and just stood there in shock. To the left is our bathroom, which we BOTH have a separate sink and our own walk in closet! Yay! We also have a large bathtub and separate shower, which has plenty of room to stand in. From there we looked at the kids rooms, which they had already claimed. Nic's room is at the top of the stairs and to the right, beside ours. As we walked past the staircase, we looked in our linen closet, the hall bathroom (which also has an entrance into Caitlin's room), Caitlin's room - all on the right side. Directly across from our bedroom on the opposite side of the hall is our laundry room - YES, it is upstairs!!! How wonderful and perfect is that? Across from Caitlin's room is Bre's bedroom and our bonus room, which has now become the kids room. This is their area set up with a couch, TV, game station, and movies.

Bre's room

Us with Andrea

Some of our furniture came from American Signature in Lithonia, GA. If ANY GA friends/family are in need of furniture, I encourage you to go there. Ask for the manager, Joe Lane and tell him we sent you. No, we do not get any type of reward/incentive for sending you. We just REALLY love the store and the people in it. We could not have asked for a better company and people!

When we walked into the store the day following our arrival in GA, we were warmly greeted by a group of people that work there and were expecting us. Joe walked out with flowers, which are still on my dining room table! They led us to the office area, where there was a table set up with fruits, juice, coffee, and breakfast type pastries. American Signature sent us a voucher to furnish some of our house. Following the time in the office, we all headed out to look at the furniture. I think everyone took off in different directions during this time! Joe headed out with me and helped me find things that fit our house perfectly! During this time, my dad and brother, Josh met us there and then headed back to our house after we shopped around. We managed to find all that we need to fill our house and absolutely LOVE every piece of furniture.

All of us with Joe

This whole experience has been above and beyond amazing. Quite honestly, it still a bit surreal and we are trying to process things and adjust. Andrea from Operation Homefront and every from OHF, Rusty from Chase and all of Chase, Joe and American Signature, Tim McGraw, our contractors and everyone else that has been involved in this amazing experience, we cannot say Thank You enough. Truthfully, saying thank you doesn't seem sufficient enough. There is no way to repay all that we have been blessed with.

From the bottom our of hearts, we thank each and everyone of you that have played a part in this journey and made dreams come true. You all are changing lives everyday in ways that many could not even fathom. You are bringing hope back to combat veterans and their families and giving them a "reason" again. You are enabling us and families like us to give back in ways that we couldn't before without the stresses that many of us face. Not only can we now give back more, but this also gives us the opportunity to focus more on Kevin's injuries and find more stability in life for him, it allows each of us to have better medical care. It allows Kevin and I to do more for and with our children that before we couldn't. Such as taking a day and allowing them to see the ocean for the very first time just days after moving in. It allows us to find who we are now in life and for that one thing and everything else we are forever grateful for this. For the first time I feel like a weight has been lifted off of us and that things are finally beginning to look up. For years now, we have had so many obstacles thrown our way and we have fought so many battles to overcome them, together. With this positive turn, we can now look forward to our future.

Thank you family and friends for supporting us and standing beside us before the move, during, and now as we slowly transition.

If you do not have our new address/phone numbers, please email me at brbiddle@ymail.com so that I can give this info to you!

If you would like to donate to Operation Homefront's Homes on the Homefront Program, please click HERE to learn more and donate.