On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in June, I had the opportunity to meet someone who truly inspired me.

Samuel Redfern joined the military after 9/11, an event that changed the lives of many in our generation. He spent several years on active duty and served inIraq.

His experiences inIraqnever left him, even when he was back underneath the Big Sky. He came home, went back to school, and tried to go on with life. But the children he met inIraqwere always on his mind. Finally one day, he decided he was going to take action. The time was now. The United States of Hope was born.

The United States of Hope has a two fold mission: to support the families of the brave men and women that serve our country through public support and scholarship programs. Secondly, they focus on bettering the lives of the children affected by theUSmissions inIraqandAfghanistan. Sam and his organization work to provide humanitarian aid, education and financial support to the more than 5 million orphans in these regions.

Check out the video to see Sam Redfern in action:

Sam’s goals for the United States of Hope are ambitious and far-reaching. Essentially, you could say he’s looking to prevent future wars by taking care of the world’s children.

He says: “Saddam Hussein was an orphan, the Taliban members were orphans, kids who get left behind in our society join gangs. They need mentorship and the feeling of family and community. If you’re leaving kids behind, what’s really the purpose of war? Why are you fighting, whats the purpose if you are left behind? We’re going to be a watchdog and be a higher calling especially for the youth ofAmerica. There are kids in other countries who don’t want to live and war and who want to live in families again. It’s hard to do that when you have nobody.”

He also hopes other new young veterans will find a community within his organization. He believes this generation has a heart of service and wants to provide an outlet for veterans, and all young people to give of themselves. “It’s good that we have a society that supports vets, but I think it’s important for my generation to realize that I faced the temptation of looking inward, and becoming focused on my problems, returning to American society, and I think there’s a message out there to continue your mission, continue your calling and there’s a lot of kids out there and folks who need us…”

We discussed how everyone has something to offer, and something to give. If you feel like this might be an opportunity for you to give your time, your money, your effort, the United States of Hope is looking for you.

Visit the website:www.unitedstatesofhope.org. Help Sam make a difference.