Candice Adams – 7/11/09

Dear Members of BCC, & Other Participants:

My family and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your gracious support of our daughter, U. S. Army Spc. Candice Adams (Medic), and making her welcome home celebration a day that we and she will always hold in a very special place in our hearts. We knew that there was an organization (you guys) out there that would do this for our troops, but we didn’t know how to contact you. We had planned a party for her on July 11th. As we called people to invite them, several suggested that we try to contact you to make her day! On July 10th, one of my friends (Beverly) had stopped at a store for me on the way to our home and the clerk happened to ask her if she was having a party from the items that she was purchasing. My friend explained to the clerk that she was helping a friend get ready for her daughter’s (Candice’s) welcome home party from Iraq. That’s when the first miracle happened! Susan (BCC member) had overheard the conversation and began to share how “honored” BCC would be to help welcome home Candice. She gave Beverly the website address and said to contact you.  When Beverly got to my house, we immediately contacted you.  After several conversations with you, the second miracle happened; you guys were able to put it together for the next day on such short notice. This was a complete surprise to Candice. The look on her face when she heard the roar of motorcycles and sirens (Clute Fire Dept.) was priceless. It was then that, I saw tears in her eyes as you drove up our driveway. She was very touched that so many dedicated people would show her so much compassion and love. Not only did you come out to honor her, you showered her with gifts. We know this was not an easy task for you to carry out on such short notice. Thank you. As we stood there, a very familiar face stood out in your crowd. It was Susan! We knew Susan from years ago when our son had played soccer. Susan was just as surprised to see us, because she did not know that she had played a key part in honoring the little girl that she had known so many years ago. Thank you, Susan! What an awesome outreach you all provide for our community. It was touching that a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor was there to honor my “little girl”. I was brought to tears when I saw so many Vietnam Vets in attendance. Thanks you for placing your hand upon Candice and praying for her. Thank you to your families who are so willing to share you with us. Thank you to the local businesses and individuals for your gifts. As I said at our gathering, I threw a “fit” when Candice told us that she planned to enlist when our nation is a war, because she has four children. I was deeply concerned for her safety and the future of her children. My wonderful husband and I have the oldest two (Hannah & Harley) and my son (B. J.) and his wife (Katy) have the younger two (Hunter & Halston). I thank God for a tender hearted son and daughter-in-law who are doing a fantastic job with Hunter and Halston while their Mama is away. I thank God for my daughter, who is serving our country so that each of us is able to live in a free country. Candice will be returning to Iraq very soon to finish out her year, please continue to pray for her safe return and that of her fellow soldiers. The next time I see you staging or providing an escort, I will pull over and remember what you have done for us and others. Again, thank you for an AWESOME job from the bottom of my heart! May God Bless You and keep His hand upon you.

Sherrie Benavides