HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

June 6, 2012 

Mr. Heller:  Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an organization from my home State of Nevada whose continued dedication to our nation’s active military, veterans, and their families is inspiring.   As the Shine Family Foundation celebrates their first anniversary of becoming a recognized non-profit organization, I thank them for their commitment to assisting our country’s military community during times of hardship. We rely on organizations like the Shine Family Foundation to ease the stress that military families face when a family member is deployed. I applaud the Shine Family Foundation for their commitment to our heroes who sacrifice so much to keep America safe.

The Shine Family Foundation was founded to address the needs of military personnel and their families when they are separated due to prolonged and often multiple deployments.  As their loved ones are far away from home sacrificing their own well-being for the safety of our nation, military families often struggle with hardships while they are apart.  Having a brother who served overseas, I understand the sacrifices that military families make when a loved one is deployed.   

The Shine Family Foundation is committed to ensuring soldiers deployed across the globe are able to connect with their families back home. Last year, the Shine Family Foundation’s gifting program helped provide school supplies, Christmas gifts, food, gift cards, and phone cards to more than 100 military families.  Recognizing the changing dynamics of our military force, the Foundation also provides assistance to veterans returning from active duty to help welcome them home.  They also offer a mentoring program for young children whose parents or siblings are serving in war zones. 

I commend the Shine Family Foundation’s commitment to honor and give back to our military communities.  We must always remember the brave men and women in uniform and their families who make grave sacrifices to protect our freedom. As their organization grows, I know they will maintain a commitment to touching the lives of our troops and their families. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this honorable organization for all they do for our nation’s heroes.