An American Soldier in Need

On January 22nd, Sgt. Wesley Kidd (US Army), returned to the States from a full deployment to Afghanistan. That day, he was able to hold in his arms, for the first time, his infant daughter who had been born during his deployment.

Wes' wife, Ashley, and his two daughters, Annalynn and Amelia

After visiting with his family in NC, he returned to active duty at Ft. Riley, Kansas, and bunked in the barracks for single soldiers because his wife and daughters live in Clinton, NC, and cannot join him until a custody battle over the oldest daughter has been decided.

Wes knew that, due to budget cuts, he would have 90 days upon his return to move from the barracks. However, upon return to Kansas, the timeline was altered dramatically, and the new deadline was February 23rd.

Wes began busting tail to prepare to move. He placed his car in the shop to repair damage incurred during a severe accident in NC so that he would have viable transportation. He began the packing and boxing associated with any move. And he started looking for apartments or for anyone needing a roommate.

Of course, funds are tight because he is also paying for his wife and family's household in NC. Today, though, at 2:10 in the afternoon (EST), his key card to the barracks was decoded, and he was told to move out. Right now. Nine days ahead of time. He has not yet lined up a place to live; his car is not yet out of the shop, and he has yet to set aside enough money to get a place all by himself. However... this does not matter. He has to move. Today. Right now.

Is THIS the way we treat our soldiers? A man who has been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan? A man who has loyally and faithfully served this country since August of 2008? A father who watched the birth of his child via a Skype link because he was buried in the Afghan Sands while his wife struggled through labor in NC?

Sgt. Wesley Kidd while in Afghanistan. 

Right now, Wes is robbing Peter to pay Paul and is calling in favors from friends to help him evacuate his belongings. He's seeking a floor on which to bunk, and he is praying that somehow... some way... he will find the money to rent a car for temporary transportation and to set up a new household.

Right now, I am writing this article to ask if you want to help. I've created a PayPal link to which you may donate to help Wes. Even a small donation of five dollars, when combined with the donations of others, can make an enormous difference. Today, I ask you to empty your change purse and help a fellow American... an American who chose to place his life on the line so that yours may remain secure.