Myles Eckert is a gold star kid who is trying to turn a twenty dollar bill into two million dollars.
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Grief and loss are two of the hardest things that life demands we endure. Myles Eckert was only five weeks old when he lost his father, U.S. Army Sgt. Andy Eckert, and became a gold star kid.
Myles taught us all a lesson in managing grief when he saw a soldier just like his dad. He did so with such simplicity that it took my breath away.
Myles had just found a 20 dollar bill in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel when he saw Lt. Colonel Frank Daley of the Air National Guard also enter the restaurant. Myles wrote a note to Frank, shared the story of his dad, and gifted the 20 dollars to Lt. Colonel Daley in the spirit of a family-held commitment to paying it forward.
Tiffany Eckert, Myles’ mom, believes in teaching her children that “you get better, not bitter.”
When this story broke in late February, donations for Myles began pouring in. Myles’ family clearly practices what they preach, as they have directed all donations since received to Snowball Express, an organization dedicated to supporting the children of fallen military personnel.
Wait.
It gets better.
Highland Capital Management heard about the Eckert’s generosity and pledged to match donations to Snowball Express up to one million dollars. Contributions large and small are pouring in to Snowball Express guaranteeing that children of fallen soldiers will be supported and nurtured for many years to come.
Close to $300,000 have been raised so far, and the amount is growing daily.
Highland Capital Management, many saw Myles’ story and left it as a warm moment on their newsfeeds. You turned a moment into action. That shows real support for our military families.
Thank you, Eckert family, for showing us healing and hope through loss. You never turned bitter, and all who have been touched by your story are better for it.
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Click here to join Myles and Highland Capital in supporting Gold Star Kids.
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Image credit: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-8-year-old-turns-20-into-priceless-gift/
Saw this story in todays(Sunday) New York Post. It teared me up then as it tears me up now! I just hope that young guy never looses that something special inside him. We sure can use more of it in the world!
Wow