Miles for Military | Marine mom helps junior enlisted military members fly home
The holiday season is a time for family reunions and cherished moments. For many service members, returning home can be a challenge due to the high costs of travel. However, a nonprofit organization called Miles for Military is making a significant impact by providing free flights for junior enlisted military personnel. Recently, six Marines boarded flights home from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, thanks to the generosity of this organization. Among them was Marine Corps Lance Corporal Aidan Mullins, who expressed his excitement to finally reunite with his family after a long year apart.
The Journey of Aidan Mullins
Lance Corporal Aidan Mullins comes from a family with a strong military background. His father served 20 years in the Army and the Marine Corps, while all four of his siblings have also dedicated time to military service. Mullins himself has been away from home for a year, and with his siblings preparing to deploy to Syria, he felt a pressing need to return home for the holidays. “I haven’t been home in a year, I just want to go home,” he shared with ABC11.
Thanks to Miles for Military, Mullins was able to secure a free flight home just in time for Christmas. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “They haven’t seen me in a long time, so yeah, they’re pretty stoked.” This opportunity allowed him to reconnect with his family during a special time of year, highlighting the importance of support systems for service members.
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The nonprofit’s mission resonates deeply with Mullins and many others in similar situations. It not only provides financial assistance but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among service members. The emotional impact of being home for the holidays cannot be overstated, and Mullins’s story exemplifies the vital role that organizations like Miles for Military play in the lives of those who serve.
The Mission Behind Miles for Military
Miles for Military was founded by Maureen Byrne, a mother who understands the challenges faced by young service members. After flying her son home from Camp LeJeune for Thanksgiving, she learned about the financial struggles many Marines encounter when trying to return home. “He said, ‘Mom, nobody goes home. The barracks are full,'” Byrne recalled. This revelation sparked her desire to help others in similar situations.
Byrne established Miles for Military to cover the costs of flights for junior enlisted personnel. To qualify for a free flight, service members must volunteer 25 hours with a certified nonprofit organization. This initiative not only alleviates the financial burden of travel but also encourages community involvement among service members.
One of the beneficiaries of this program, Mullins, chose to volunteer with the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, an organization run by Raquel Painter. Painter, a veteran herself, understands the importance of making it home. She attended the airport send-off to support Mullins and the other Marines as they embarked on their journeys home. “The cost of airline tickets now are outrageous, and being an E-4 or below, sometimes you can’t afford that ticket home,” Painter explained.
Byrne hopes to expand the program further, ensuring that more service members can experience the joy of returning home for significant life events. “These kids are amazing. They serve us. It’s the least we can do is to send them home,” she stated. The program relies entirely on donations, and Byrne encourages the community to contribute to this worthy cause.
In conclusion, Miles for Military is making a meaningful difference in the lives of junior enlisted service members. By providing free flights home, the organization helps foster connections and support during the holiday season. As more service members like Aidan Mullins return home, the impact of this nonprofit continues to grow, reminding us all of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.
