Defenders of Freedom is a North Texas organization that supports military men and women year-round. The group sends personalized care packages to deployed troops and provide financial aid for wounded troops at home.
Joan Anderson is a Defenders of Freedom volunteer and has made it her life mission to give thanks to our troops.
"How do we ever say 'thank you' to them for all they do?" Anderson asked. "It's [Defenders of Freedom] just grown. More needs have shown up day-by-day, year-by-year."
Defenders of Freedom takes into account the individual needs of soldiers and creates personalized packages. Anderson is in charge of packing and shipping the boxes which is a task that consumes most of her time.
"Seven days a week, there is something to do," Anderson said.
Anderson's husband built a room on to the back of their house called the soldier room, where Anderson packs all of her care packages.
"One of my veteran buddies helped me build it. We put it together in about four months," Jerry Anderson said.
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The giving doesn't stop in the soldier room. Anderson's mission spreads through her entire home. She has hundreds of blankets lining her closet, waiting to be shipped to troops. The job takes time and money, but Anderson said she is willing to give it all.
"I feel like all of them [soldiers], from 18-60, they're our kids. They are out there protecting all of us," Anderson said. "There's no time you can say I'm finished with this."
Defenders of Freedom relies on donations. They need items for the care packages and financial contributions. You can visit their website or contact them by mail or phone.
More Information:
Defenders of Freedom
706 Stratford Lane
Coppell, TX 75019
214-232-4962
www.defendersoffreedom.us
