A community of well wishes and support

I couldn't let another day go by without extending a heartfelt thank you to the Daily Herald and particularly Burt Constable for his much-needed publicity relating to the impact facing National Guard and reservist families across the state.

I am humbled by the outpouring of support, well wishes and concern from friends and members of our community.

I've received phone calls from complete strangers on how individuals can help.

I've had teens offer their baby-sitting services for free and gladly sent their names to friends in need.

I was contacted by a local business through a friend who wanted to know more what his company could do for military families. I suggested if the company has a volunteer program, they add the family readiness group to their approved activities for paid time off.

I received a call from a local dentist office. The manager said she didn't know a military family but wanted to help. She asked for suggestions and I gratefully responded, have the dentist sign up to participate in TriCare.

I was contacted by wives of the men my husband used to command in Illinois. We had dinner and put a plan of action together to get the word out to reach more families and provide support.

These are some of the bravest and most resilient women I've had the privilege of knowing.

It will be my honor to work side by side with them any day. One of the women works in a domestic violence shelter, and the social workers have offered to research and provide educational books for those suffering from post combat stress or PTSD.

They too, have felt the outpouring of support since the Herald ran the interview.

Just because our husbands are home doesn't mean our jobs are over. There are only two types of soldiers these days, the deployed and those readying to deploy.

One caller said "thank you" and then started crying. She said she's always wanted to help but didn't know how.

Lastly my daughter connected with another teen at Stevenson High School whose father is a marine. They found common ground.

These kids need each other, it's hard to imagine what they go through, the issues they handle and the fear that grips them. It's comforting to know they'll have each other to make it through.

Thank you, Daily Herald community. I am forever grateful and indebted for the outpouring of support we're receiving.

Danette Hayes

Buffalo Grove