The Inspiration for A Soldier’s Child
Daryl Mackin, founder and executive director, was inspired to create A Soldier’s Child to honor the memory of Staff Sgt Marc Golczynski, his former neighbors’ son, who was killed in the Iraq War. As he planned his own son’s birthday party, he thought about Marc’s 10-year-old son Christian who would never again be able to have a party planned by his dad. Mackin’s heart broke for young Christian and he was determined to find a way to support the grieving child and others like him on their special day.
So, with Christian at the forefront of his mind, the idea of A Soldier’s Child was born. Mackin said, “With humbleness of heart, we aim to honor the memory of the parent by giving a meaningful gift to his/her children on their birthday.”
The Important Work of A Soldier’s Child
A Soldier’s Child is an important way to remind the children of fallen soldiers that they are not forgotten. It is a purposeful way to keep the memory of their parent’s sacrifice alive and support them through their most informative years.
Since 2008, A Soldier’s Child (ASC) Foundation has striven to serve as many children of fallen servicemen and women as possible. ASC’s mission is to offer “Love to the child left behind, Honor for the memory of the fallen and a Hope for the children to live a courageous life.” They do this with yearly birthday celebrations, summer camps, mentorship programs, and facilitating in secondary/college scholarships.
Jennifer Washabaugh, an ASC mother, praises the blessing of ASC in her young children’s lives. “A Soldier’s Child Foundation has brought healing and joy back into our lives. SSG Justin Washabaugh died on September 23, 2012 after serving two tours almost back to back in Afghanistan. He was 39 when he died… Having four young children grow up without their daddy has been challenging, lonely, and difficult at times, but ASC has made a huge difference in our lives. By sending wonderful ASC packages to my children on their birthdays, we are reminded that people really do care about our loss. Instead of feeling ashamed because they no longer have their daddy, my children now have the privilege of experiencing honor, healing, and joy because of A Soldier’s Child Foundation,” she said.
How You Can Support A Soldier’s Child
A Soldier’s Child and the work they do hold a special place in the heart of Wayne Toler, the founder of Toler Insulating. Since losing his dad at age 13, Wayne has had strong memories of the two men who went out of their way to make him feel special. “One took me trout fishing and the other skeet shooting. You can’t imagine how someone taking a few moments of their time to spend with you can make an impact on the rest of your life,” he said. Those fond memories inspire him to support the amazing work A Soldier’s Child does for children who have also lost a parent.
At Toler Insulating we are proud to be Americans and are grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect us and our freedom. Our partnership with A Soldier’s Child is one small way we can give back to the families who have lost so much.
Please consider joining us in our mission to support this amazing foundation and celebrate the lives of these children. Nothing will replace the physical presence of their mom or dad, but your gift will help each child know they are loved and their parent’s sacrifice has not been forgotten. Visit the ASC website today to contribute and learn more about this life-changing foundation. Thank you for your support.