Home of the Brave

Reprint from my website as we switch over to blogs.

I just learned of a great getaway opportunity for soldiers who have recently returned from a deployment in a combat zone or soldiers recovering from combat related injuries. The “Home of the Brave” is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom handicap accessible country home in Maryland that is available for wounded warriors and soldiers returning from deployment so that they have a place to reunite with their families in a peaceful setting. This property is located within driving distance of Walter Reed Army Hospital or Bethesda Naval Hospital at where many Wounded Warriors are recovering. Don’t worry, this location is not so peaceful that you will be bored as it is only a 25 minute drive from Ocean City, MD or Assateague*.

This  home is available for soldiers to use for up to a week thanks to the generosity of its founder Tina Pearson. According to the website,

In 2009, Home of the Brave was inspired by a conversation between founder Tina Pearson and a friend who had served in Iraq. This Army veteran shared the difficulties of getting to know her young son again after she returned home from deployment. The soldier’s story made Tina wonder what could have been done to make the transition easier. What if she offered her quiet country home as a getaway for service families to share a week of relaxing time together?

After talking with people at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she was assured this idea could benefit many veterans – even those recovering from injuries. As a result, Tina worked with a local contractor who built a separate residence for her and renovated the existing house – making it handicapped accessible. As the project neared completion, community members responded in gratitude to our servicemen and women through their support of the Home of the Brave.

Anyone wishing to find out more information about staying at the home, or donating so that soldiers may continue to enjoy this home for free, may do so at the Home of the Brave website.

"Home of the Brave" photo courtesy of its official website linked above.

Thank you to Tina Pearson and the other sponsors whom make this opportunity available to our soldiers.

*I have written a description of Assateague in a prior article.