Kelvin requested a Supply Crate as a nearly two-decades served combat Veteran who is still figuring out civilian life and looking for an outlet to connect.
I proudly served in the US Army for nearly two decades, from the solemn day of May 9, 1995, until my medical retirement on June 23, 2014. Throughout my time in the military, I dutifully answered the call of duty, fearlessly and unwaveringly. My devotion to my country led me to be deployed twice to Bosnia, the first time from 1995 to 1996, enduring the harsh realities of war-torn country for a grueling 11 months. And yet, I went back again in 1998, willing to sacrifice my own safety for the greater good for another six treacherous months. But my service did not stop there. In 2002, I found myself in Kuwait, serving our nation for seven long and arduous months. It was during these deployments that I witnessed the true nature of the human spirit. Bound together by our shared mission, we faced adversity head-on, never faltering in our resolve. My service in Iraq was even more harrowing, as I embarked on not one, but two combat tours. The first tour, from December 20, 2004, to February 15, 2005, was an indescribable experience. Stationed in Bayji Iraq, my comrades and I held the immense responsibility of securing the area of operation and safeguarding convoys along route Tampa. These were perilous times, where we mourned the loss of many brave soldiers, including our platoon sergeant. The year was marked by heartache and relentless challenges, yet we remained resolute in our commitment to protect and serve. During those demanding days, I belonged to the esteemed battalion known as Charlie 1/7 Field Artillery, a part of the renowned Task Force 1-7. The transformation we underwent was extraordinary, transitioning from being known as gun bunnies to becoming the soldiers who patrolled Bayji on foot. Engaging in countless firefights, confronting improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and facing the haunting threat of vehicle-borne explosive devices (VBEDs), every moment felt like a precarious dance with destiny. Each dawn brought uncertainty, and every night, I lay my head down with the constant reminder that tomorrow was never guaranteed. Undeterred by the perils I had already faced, I once again answered the call in 2009, deploying to Basra Iraq from October 12, 2009, to July 1, 2010. Situated at an outpost on an Iraqi base, I proudly served as part of Alpha 1/377 Field Artillery, which called Fort Lewis its home. This time, our mission focused on securing the southeastern part of the city, amid the tumultuous chaos of war. Despite the danger, I stood resolute, unwavering in my dedication to my fellow soldiers and our mission. Reflecting on my military journey, I recognize that now is the time for a new chapter in my life. This opportunity, the chance to serve in a different capacity, would allow me to focus my energy on reconnecting with my beloved family. Presently, I find solace in seclusion, confining myself to the sanctuary of my room. But deep within, I yearn to break free from these self-imposed walls and embrace the world around me, particularly my children. This new path would grant me the cherished one-on-one time I crave, allowing me to be the father I always aspired to be.
Military service not only leaves our Veterans with the scars of their service but often a kind of exhaustion that can make going out and meeting new people difficult. It sounds like Kelvin needs an outlet that will allow him to have fun from the comfort of his home while still connecting with other people.
We hope the new console can help him get gaming with other Veterans and help Kelvin break from being secluded so much.
ADurableLlama sponsored Kelvin's Supply Crate. ADurableLlama raised over $10k in last year's Call to Arms fundraising to support Stack Up's programs. Check out ADurableLlama on Twitch.
Veterans Day is two weeks away! While we will be holding our Call to Arms LIVE event on the Stack Up channel, we're urging people to sign up and fundraise throughout November! Help us meet our $600k goal. Hit the button below to fundraise or donate today.
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