There are two types of Fallen Heroes.

First, a sizeable number of brave service men and women are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with life-changing injuries. They often face a lifetime of new and difficult physical challenges.

Second, a significant number of our brave heroes never make it home at all. The grieving families left behind often include a dependent spouse and/or dependent children who have lost a best friend, a provider, and leader.

Operation Fallen Hero provides badly needed assistance in both situations. At Giving Heart of America, we feel that it is incumbent on all of us who have been so richly blessed to stand with these precious families as they work to put their lives back together.

Heroes Lost In The Line Of Duty.

As of January 1, 2007, the Houston area was the home for over 65 Fallen Heroes - who made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. In every case, there is a grieving family left behind. In many cases, that grieving family includes a dependant spouse and/or dependant children. It is for those surviving dependant family members that Giving Heart of America initiated Operation Fallen Hero.

Our program is designed to guide, steer, and help these families who have, in many cases, lost a best friend, a provider, a leader. Individuals and families who feel that their whole world is shattered. People faced with the sudden, unexpected and unwanted reality of life without the Fallen Hero.

Operation Fallen Hero provides the following services and help to the surviving family members:

Advocacy. There are a number of programs through the Department of Defense, other branches of the federal government, state government and local government that are designed to help these families. There are also a number of national and local non-profit organizations which can offer some assistance. Unfortunately, the survivors are usually not aware of what is available to them and are intimidated by the maze of applications and other requirements - all at a time when they are least able to deal with bureaucracy. The Giving Heart Advocate makes early contact with the surviving families, and provides a steady, reliable source of information and mentorship during the difficult initial period.

Guidance. There are many local organizations which are willing and able to provide life-changing benefits to families in need. It is the responsibility of the Giving Heart Guide to steer the families of Fallen Heroes in the direction of those resources. Here the emphasis is not on hand-outs or other short-term financial assistance, but rather on involvement in long term affiliations - a local church, the YMCA, etc. Giving Heart of America has a faith-based mission making it critical to us that everyone we help has an opportunity to gain an understanding of God's love and grace. Accordingly, we work with local churches and other organizations which share that vision and are equipped to provide various youth and adult participation opportunities.

Direct Financial Assistance. Giving Heart of America provides financial assistance directly to the surviving family members of Fallen Heroes, as possible, practical, and advisable. Our goal is to steer these families toward full self-sufficiency, stability, and success. Accordingly, we do not desire to become a financial crutch where it is not necessary. But we are committed not to see the loved ones of Fallen Heroes do without in this land of plenty, knowing that our abundance has been partially purchased and protected by the blood of their Fallen Hero.

College Scholarships. Providing for the college education of dependent children of Fallen Heroes is an anchor benefit provided by Giving Heart of America. Depending on the ages of the children at the time of their loss, a college education may be an immediate, a short-term, or a long-term proposition. Trust funds are established for each child and regular deposits are made into interest bearing accounts, so long as the child continues to meet the requirements of participation. The number and size of these scholarship accounts is obviously dependent on the funds available, but it is our goal to provide full college scholarships wherever they are needed and will be utilized.

Heroes Wounded In The Line Of Duty.

Today's advanced medical technology is paying a wonderful dividend. Many brave heroes who are severly wounded in action, suffering wounds which would have been fatal just a few years ago, are now surviving and make it home to their loved ones. But, in many cases, the injuries they have experienced result in life-changing physical limitations.

At Giving Heart of America, we feel that there are no individuals on earth more deserving of our assistance. The needs of many of these heroes are extensive and financially demanding. And, so much of the recovery and rehabilitation processes requires an outpouring of emotional support and love in addition to financial support alone.

Working principally through our selected organizations, Operation Fallen Hero is doing its part to provide for those special needs.

A slideshow Tribute to our fallen heroes A slideshow Tribute to our wounded heroes	A Poem Tribute to Our Heroes
	OPERATION FALLEN HERO
Standing with the surviving families of Houston-area military casualties.