On August 6th, 2011, I awakened to the reality of tragedy that so many other families throughout our nation’s history have experienced. My bigger-than-life brother, Aaron Carson Vaughn, had been killed in action.

KIA…those letters seemed insufficient to describe the fullness of their meaning. Nevertheless, it was true.

As our family muddled through the next few months of this new life without Aaron, we had a strong desire to somehow add value to our great loss. We wanted to do something to remember him, which would allow the legacy of all he was to continue.

Aaron was a man’s man, but a child at heart. He always made everyone laugh and was constantly forcing us all to join in on his child-like shenanigans. We happily obliged. He was always up for an adventure and lived every day to the fullest. His love of God, family, and country was unparalleled.

We chose to honor him by giving his kids and other children who have suffered such tremendous loss the opportunity to spend a little time living like Aaron: full of abandon, pure joy, and utter hilarity…even if only for a weekend at a time.

The support of our community in building this dream has been surreal. They took what seemed impossible and made it possible. Their hearts are full of love, honor, and respect for not only Aaron but for all of those like him, who gave their tomorrows for our today.

In everything we do, we seek first to bring glory to our Lord Jesus, and second to honor Aaron and his legacy.

-Tara Vaughn Baldwin