The Trevor Roman Foundation Newsletter

Memorial Day 2011

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In This Issue

• Q&A with Stephanie Pridell
• Video Spotlight
• Honoring Memorial Day
• Trevor’s Art: Memorial Day

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A Note From the Director:

Dear Friend,

Greetings from Trevor Romain’s Comfort Crew!

I am forever grateful for the generosity of our original benefactor. Because of his donation three years ago, the Trevor Romain Foundation was able to create our first resource, the Grief Comfort Kit, for children experiencing loss. This comprehensive set of resources helps kids understand what is happening, helps families begin a conversation, and gives kids a place to write and draw about their feelings. It is also a safe place to keep pictures, letters, and other cherished items for a child to return to as they grow-up.

Two years ago, the USO began giving the Grief Comfort Kit to families of our fallen heroes at the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. This program has special meaning to me because my dad, Warrant Officer Rocky Dee Armstead, died trying to rescue injured soldiers as a Medevac pilot in Vietnam. I was three years old. Experiencing loss at such a young age left me with many unanswered questions. However, creating this special Memory Box and giving it to military kids today has helped me to understand my own loss, has brought about opportunities that I could never have imagined, and helps me to feel connected to my dad.

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to share a message from another little girl that misses her daddy:

Dear Mr. Romaine,
Thank you very much for making that memiry box. The USO give it to
us after my step dad he died in afghaninstan and my little brother
was crying that time. I put lots of good pictures in the box and
notes and some stuff and that one special picture the one at the
canyen when at my birthday and we were all laughing then he was
hugging me after his hat fell in the river. I loved that mouse
doll. That was good thing for that the box.

from D

Thank you for your support,

Ronda Englander

Executive Director
Trevor Romain Foundation

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Q&A with Stephanie Pridell

Social Worker on the With You All the Way USO Tour

Stephanie Pridell is a Social Worker who was part of the With You All the Way USO Tour. She spoke with thousands of military children about the challenges they face. Having grown up in a military family, Stephanie brought a unique perspective and connection to military children. Here is a Q&A with Stephanie about her experiences on the USO Tour and what Memorial Day means to her.

What has it been like being on the With You All the Way USO Tour?

I couldn’t imagine a better opportunity. Having grown up in a military family myself, I have always felt a special connection to other military members and children in military families. It has been an incredible journey, which has allowed us to speak to over 60,000 children in the last 9 months all over the country. During the tour we have had silly adventures and laughs, shared some tears and stories, and really grown to understand some of the challenges these brave kids are facing.

Click here to read the full Q&A

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Video Spotlight

Trailer for What On Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?

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Honoring Memorial Day
Ways to take part in events this Memorial Day

There are many ways to observe Memorial Day, from spending time with your family to taking a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives for their country. Here’s a short list of other ways to mark the holiday:

• You can visit one of the many State Veteran’s Cemeteries. Here is a List of all the State Cemeteries.
• There are many organizations that support families that have lost a service member. For the Army, that organization is the Survivor Outreach Services (SOS).
• In the Austin area, the you can join the local Survivor Outreach Services, veterans, and families, this Saturday for the 5th Anniversary of the March for Fallen Heroes.

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Trevor’s Art: Memorial Day

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About the Comfort Crew for Military Kids

By the end of 2010, our resources had reached well over 30,000 military families, and we have great expectations for this year. With your support we hope to continue to help children meet the challenges of military life.

If you would like to support the work of the Trevor Romain Foundation, please see the Support Us link below.

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Help Us Support Military Children!

The Trevor Romain Foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. All contributions you make will positively impact the Trevor Romain Foundation’s mission to help children facing adversity.

If you would like to make a donation to help us provide Grief Comfort Kits for children and military families who have lost loved ones, follow the link to our Donation Page.

Follow the link to learn more about our Grief Support Program.

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Thank you for helping us support military families. With your help, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,

The Comfort Crew

www.TrevorRomainFoundation.org
info@trevorromainfoundation.org