A Message from Gold Star Spouse, Tarah McLaughlin
Many of you have seen my family’s story over the past couple of months. My name is Tarah McLaughlin, and I am a Gold Star Spouse and mother to three amazing children. In January 2020, my husband Ian was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan while serving in the United States Army.
The very same day we learned of Ian’s passing, we received a call from the Armed Services YMCA on Fort Bragg letting us know that our Operation Kid Comfort quilts were ready. The quilts were personalized with images of each of my children with their father – originally created to help ease the pains of separation during deployment. These quilts now serve as a legacy to their father’s memory.
Each night my children wrap themselves in their father’s love as they drift to sleep.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Armed Services YMCA staff, volunteers, and supporters who make the Operation Kid Comfort program possible – as well as the other impactful programs and services for military families. From low-cost child care to food support to deployment services and so much more, the Armed Services YMCA is making a difference in the lives of service members and their families.
Sincerely,
Tarah McLaughlin
