“Hunter [4] has for the most part shut people out, been very quiet and 
introverted since losing his father. Since being at Disney he has opened up
... talking to people, laughing, very outgoing.  "Maybe this really is a Magical place." 
(Deedy and Grandma while at Disney)

Below is an unedited e-mail we recently received from Deedy, Hunters mom. 

"Dear Operation Ensuring Christmas..
I would like to thank you for helping my children to be children again. 
My husband, David, was killed in Iraq last year.  Since loosing their Daddy, my children have had ups and downs, though more downs. 
When your organization took the time and effort to make sure my children had a few days of nothing but fun, it did a world of wonders for them.
My youngest child was a Daddy's baby and really did shy away from people.  While at Disney, he opened up.  This child that wouldn't speak to people, he began stopping people to tell them what he had done or was going to do while there.  It opened him up to being more of a easy going and fun loving child, rather than the surly and anti social child that he was.  He still speaks to people and opens up more than he did.  Believe it or not, the trip did this for him.  I can NEVER fully thank you for that.
My other children, Chyna and Luke, you proved to them that there are people that care what they lost the day their Dadd died.  They were shown that their sacraffice was not unnoticed and was appreicated. 
Robert, I thank you more than you will ever know and more than I can/could ever express.  I owe you so much. 
Please know that I will forever be grateful to you.
Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do to help you or Operation Ensuring Christmas.  I could never repay you for what you've done for my children, but I would love to try if you can think of anything.
Much thanks and love,
Deanna Salie
Wife of SFC David J. Salie
KIA Baqubah, Iraq
14Feb05"

This is why we believe our 'Christmas in July', VIP Theme Park vacation program
is more than just a 'fun trip' for the kids. It is our generous donors and sponsors
who made this all possible. We need your help to continue making the
vacation plans for the over 100 children in our files with many more expected to 
send in applications throughout the year. Please Help Today.