This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Standing Tall and Being a Kid

Children of fallen military members got a boost thanks to a fundraiser at the Franco-American on Saturday.

Jason Main's four deployments to Iraq and his current active duty status with the U. S. Navy, as a Master in Arms 1st Class, distinguishes him from the crowd. But his service is truly exemplary when you learn of his efforts to give back to his fallen comrades and their children. Main, who comes from a military background and grew up in Westford, aims to send 10 children who will be fully sponsored, to the summer camp of their choice by the summer of 2012.  

Main is the President and Co-Founder of Friends Never Forget, Inc. Founded in 2010 to sponsor deserving children of fallen soldiers for a week of summer camp, events will be ongoing this year with scheduled events held around the country. Joey Voices, a comedian and singer, provided entertainment for the fundraiser held at the Franco-American Club.

With strong support from the Westford community both Heather Fagans (WA - 94') and Jason Main (WA 91')  met and worked together in the drama department while working backstage at Westford Academy in the early 1990's. They have joined with their spouses to create Friends Never Forget to address the needs of the children of fallen military personnel. 

Find out what's happening in Westfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have created awareness and understanding for many people to Friends Never Forget's Mission.

In 2007, Main had to leave on emergency leave from his deployment to Iraq. The teammate who took his place was killed by an IED while conducting an operation during his leave. While at his fallen comrades memorial service, Main watched the children standing tall for their families.

Find out what's happening in Westfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Each of these children are forced by by circumstances to grow up so early and I could not stop thinking how they simply need the chance to be kids and enjoy their childhoods," says Main.  

Main's 20-year service in the U. S. Navy and witnessing his fallen comrades families and their brave children, who were forced to 'stand tall' which is the military equivalent of acting brave and growing up quickly, compelled him to act.

"There's no other organization like it," reports Main.

Other military organizations focus on raising money for college for fallen military personnel's children but there is no other organization raising money for children to go and enjoy the camp experience.

Based on a "first come, first serve basis," for its camper participants, Main plans on "aggressive fundraising efforts to raise $33,000.00 by summer 2012."

Military families may pay the toll of enduring the loss of their loved ones. When a child loses a parent, the loss can be hard to bear. Camps can provides these children an opportunity to work as a team and explore new friendships and experiences.  

As Main says, "I was always taught that you only have your team so you have to take care of them. This is why I feel it is my calling and duty to continue this culture of caring for the families that have given so much to this country."

For more information, please contact  http://friendsneverforget.org/index.html

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?