COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Fort Carson has lost hundreds of soldiers in the the War on Terror.
In response, two years ago, The Mountain Post implemented Survivor Outreach Services, or S.O.S, to provide long-term support to the families of fallen heroes.
Monday, S.O.S. hosted a recognition ceremony at Fort Carson for the family members of those killed in the line of duty.
The event included poetry readings and a special medal presentation for the children of the fallen.
"That is all he wanted, to be somebody that did the right thing, and the only way he could do that was going over there continually, he was on his fourth deployment," Allyson Wyatt said.
It was during that fourth deployment when Allyson's husband, Spc. Justin Blackwell, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq.
When Justin died, his son Joshua was only 4 months old.
"That is my biggest fear, that my son will grow up thinking that nobody appreciates what his dad did for this country," Allyson said.
Which is why she took Joshua to Monday's ceremony, to remind him of the father who gave his life for the country he loved.
"That is all he cared about, going over there and helping those people," Allyson said.
Along with Joshua, dozens of other children were also given medals.
Allyson said when she is with other Gold Star Families, she feels safe and at home.
"We are very lucky, we have never had anything like this," Allyson said. "The Army is finally recognizing that these men are not just soldiers."
No matter where the future takes her, Allyson said it is good feeling to know someone cares, and values the sacrifice Justin made.
"We have a place to come and sit down and breath, and remember what it is all for," Allyson said.
Survivor Outreach Services recently celebrated the opening of the Fallen Heroes Family Center, which provides counseling services, support groups, classes, and special events for family members.
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