LINUS: Prayers, help humbly sought

This past weekend, a cargo plane coming into Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, crashed and four USAF personnel were killed. The four killed were, Major Michael Freyholtz, Major Aaron Malone, Capt. Jeffrey Hill and M/Sgt Thomas Cicardo.

This chapter of Project Linus devotes much care and donations to TAPS, Fallen Heroes and Wounded Warriors. So far, seven children are involved, with one of the military serviceman's family members still unreported. All of these children will be remembered by this Chapter with patriotic quilts while the widows will receive quilts of valor for their fallen hero... all from this area donated by caring dedicated Americans personifying the message of Mother Teresa, "We do not do great things but we do small things with great love."

You think you have troubles? When the cargo plane was about due to land, the wife of Major Freyhotz was driving her two children to be with their father. As she was approaching the base, they all saw this fiery blaze in the sky and she was reported saying, "I hope that isn't our new home." The news was much worse and especially to the son, 9, and the daughter, 8 years old.

Major Malone has three sons, 11, 8 and 3. Capt. Hill has two very small ones and the immediate family news on M/Sgt Cicardo is still pending.

All in all, as one who has had two assignments on Elmendorf and calls Anchorage "my home town," I am asking you if you have a moment or two to pray for these families and then to think about helping us with our needs in this Chapter of Project Linus, especially for commitments to the TAPS, Fallen Hero and Wounded Warrior challenges.

You never know when the need for understanding and assistance can be that one devastating phone call - or flame in the sky.

BARB McLEAN

Project Linus Coordinator