Recently, Gold Star Dad Michael Anderson Sr. of Modesto, whose son was killed in Fallujah in 2004, was honored at the Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 “Battle of the Bands” and Barbecue Fundraiser held at the Rusch Home. Funds raised at this event helped meet the many needs of local veterans—both active and retired—who come to the attention of the American Legion.

During a solemn interlude during the festivities, Anderson Sr. was recognized and honored for his own work to help veterans both still actively serving and retired. “Gold Star” is a designation given since World War I to a family member whose loved one died in a combat theater.

Anderson’s son, Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr., died in combat action on December 14th, 2004 during the Second Battle of Fallujah. The Second Battle for Fallujah, code-named Operation Al Fajr (“The Dawn” and Operation Phantom Fury), is considered by the U.S. military as “some of the heaviest urban combat U.S. Marines have been involved in since the Battle of Hue City in Vietnam in 1968.”

Following the “ghost soldier” ceremony and presentations of flags by American Legion Commander Paul Reyes and Robert “Cowboy Bob” Rogers, Anderson Sr. shared how he still maintains close connections to the members of his son’s squad who fought next to him and were with him up until, during, and following his death. In 2006, he went to Iraq and visited the region to interact with the people and breathe the same air where his son took his last breath. While he lost his only son to war, Anderson is comforted knowing that at the same time he has gained an innumerable number of young warriors for him to serve as he would have his own son.

Now, Anderson’s purpose in life is to use the many events he attends to share Michael’s story and to be there for the hundreds of men and women who are still fighting and come home daily with many needs: physical, emotional, and spiritual. His goal is to fill as many of those needs as he can.

To this end, Anderson and his wife, Angela created a 501(3c) nonprofit foundation called the Welcome Home Heroes Foundation. All workers are volunteers. Transitioning into civilian life from the military can be long and difficult. The foundation works with the VA and other organizations to get veterans ready to deal with re-entry into civilian life.

Anderson noted that “By now, the foundation is a like a well-oiled machine and has taken on a life of its own.” They never know what to expect. There are many components at work to identify, verify, and fill the many needs brought to their attention throughout the year. Yet, as A said, “the cause can consume you.”

Anderson travels extensively in this work meeting veterans and their families and supporters and sharing his son’s story, which has inspired many articles, books, and films. At times, members of his family, including his wife and 16-year-old daughter, travel with him.

Services provided are not just a bandage, but a course of action to be of real help. Temporary support can include help with obtaining car loans and home loans, making one-time payments, paying motel or storage costs, paying car repairs and utilities, dinner gift cards for a squad deploying to a non-combative country, and much more.

Anderson is concerned for today’s younger generations who have not experienced war or had to sacrifice in any real way. They do not understand the very real threat to our very existence as a free country. During WWII, most men, women, and children sacrificed much as they supported their warriors and the cause of freedom in many different ways.

Anderson drew the correlation by saying, “Whether a man or woman chooses to go abroad and wear the cloth of the nation in the trench or to be ‘in the rear with the gear,’ we all have to fight from home in our own ways to support them.”

There are many ways to support our troops from home. Visit Anderson’s website at www.cplandersonjr.org for information or visit www.SacramentoBlueStarMoms.org.

Source: www.cplandersonjr.org