Heaven Needed A Hero

Two years ago on August 20th, 2010, my family received the devastating news that our son/brother, 19 year old LCpl. Cody S. Childers had been killed in action in Afghanistan while on patrol with his 2/6 Marine Squad. I went thru the motions and made many decisions that I prayed Cody would have wanted in the days following.

One morning a few days before the big Military Memorial service we were planning, my husband, Randy and I decided we needed to get out of the house and wanted to go to our local Chick-fil-A for breakfast. That day, the Governor of Virginia had asked for all flags to be flown half-mast in Cody's honor. As we pulled up to Chick-fil-A, we saw an employee and Patty B. of Chick-fil-A out lowering the flag, which is huge by the way. We were very touched knowing this was in honor of our Hero...so we went up to introduce ourselves. Patty in tears hugged us both, offered her condolences and then proceeded to offer trays, etc., anything she could do to help at this painful time for us. At first, I said No and then decided it would be huge help for us with all the company stopping in. The next day we picked up an SUV load of assorted trays, tea; everything we could have dreamed of. Patty made sure everything was perfect.

My family formed the "LCpl Cody Childers Memorial Fund" to honor Cody. Patty offered to let us set up a table at her Harvest Festival she was planning in Oct 2010. We were amazed at the support we got that day and Derrick Ward, owner, also donated a percentage of the sales to Cody’s Memorial Fund. This was our first fundraiser and from that we have had numerous more Spirit Nights at Chick-fil-A in the past two years.

The love and support from Derrick, Patty and all the employees of Chick-fil-A has meant so much to our family. I feel like I am part of the family when walking thru their doors and greeted with a hug and smile. You are blessed to have them represent you!