Community
FREEDOM ISN’T FREE
By Rotary Club of Temecula
Sep 16, 2006, 07:46

When Barb Langdon notified the YMCA of Camp Pendleton of the ˝ discount for military families at the Big Horse Feed & Mercantile’s Seventh Annual Maze Craze she thought it would be a perfect fit.  The theme for the Maze this year is “Freedom Isn’t Free – God Bless our Military Past and Present” and the Corona family Patriarch, Mr. James Corona Sr. who served in WWII and is now 86 years old, and his entire family are avid supporters of the military and have always offered military discounts in support of the troops and their families.

The problem is, as Barb was informed, even with the discounts many of the families still can not afford the simple pleasures of a $6 dollar ticket to take their children to enjoy the Maze.  E-4 and below enlisted soldiers have very limited incomes and families that have children make the same amount as couples that have no children.

First it broke Barb’s heart and then it fired her up and gave her resolve to do something about it.  There are 70 military families as part of the YMCA Liberty Call program at Camp Pendleton and she is determined to make sure each one is sponsored and able to attend the Maze Craze for free. With determination in her heart, Barb stood up at the Rotary of Temecula Noon club meeting and informed the club of the military family’s plight.  In typical Rotarian fashion those in attendance pulled out their wallets and purses and before Barb left she had raised $600. 

The call now goes out to all in our community that appreciate the soldiers that are putting their lives on the line every day for our country.  The total cost to sponsor 70 families of four is $1680.  Barb has already raised $600 of that and is asking for anyone that is interested in sponsoring a military family to either drop off donations to the Big Horse Feed & Mercantile on the corner of Butterfield Stage and Hwy. 79 south or mail them to 33320 Hwy 79 South, Temecula, CA 92592.  Please make sure to indicate that the donation is for the Military Family Sponsorship and put attention to Barb Langdon Maze Craze coordinator.  Any donations that go above what is needed for sending the families to the Maze will be given to Project Liberty Call which is used to support active duty E-4 and below and their families of Camp Pendleton throughout the year.  For questions please contact Barb Langdon at 951-551-8818 or via email at apanacheevent@verizon.net.

Date:       September 15, 2006
From:      Rotary Club of Temecula
Contact:  Barb Langdon
Phone:     951.551.8818
Email:     apanacheevent@verizon.net