Operation Homefront Helps Local Soldier

Written by Tim Sakahara - tsakahara@kgmb9.com

June 06, 2008 04:36 PM

Walter Koko'o is able to spend a lot more quality time with his four kids. That's the good news. The bad news is it's because he was fired from his job.

He joined the Army National Guard to get a little extra money and to help him pay for a criminal justice degree. After enlisting he was sent to the mainland for six months of basic training. When he returned he went back to his job as a courier only to be fired for calling in sick for a week after he and his kids caught the flu.

"Kind of like a stab in the back," said Koko'o.

He says he's put out 50 applications but since he'll be deploying to Iraq in August he says companies won't hire him only to have him leave for a year.

"They always tell me okay, we'll give you a call. And they never call," said Koko'o.

Out of work he fell behind on bills until he learned about a non-profit organization called Operation Homefront. It was enough to bring a soldier to tears.

"They paid everything, rent, all our utilities, those guys are a blessing. I owe them my life," cried Koko'o.

Operation Homefront supports the troops, their families and wounded warriors. It's a national non-profit organization but the Hawaii branch started just over a year ago and has helped dozens of families and sent countless care packages. The Hawaii Chapter is run by volunteers and they're collecting donations this Saturday to help more families in need.

"People give money to Operation Homefront because they want to say thank you to our troops. Walter's family is a great example of someone who is going to donate a year of his time to keep our country safe and free and people want to say thank you. It's not charity it’s a way to say thank you to Walter and his family," said Vickie Cariello, Operation Homefront Hawaii Chapter President.

"If you can donate, donate because it definitely comes in handy,” said Koko'o.

Operation Homefront is having a fundraiser Saturday. You can drop off donations at any American Savings Bank across the state during business hours. They of course will collect money but also items to put in care packages. Coffee and other Hawaii items are high on the wish lists.

For more information about the Operation Homefront donation drive click here.