At the age of 16, Tim has done more to help others than most of us will in a lifetime. After seeing a TV documentary about conditions of schools in Iraq, Tim decided something needed to be done. Iraqi children are the future of Iraq and Tim knew that in order to become good leaders, these kids needed a solid education. Tim started Operation Iraqi Friendship and began sending soldiers school supply tote bags and toys to pass out to Iraqi children. Tim served as a role model for his little sister who at the age of seven with Tim’s help and support started Hero Hugs. Hero Hugs teaches kids to respect the men and women who proudly serve our country and encourages kids to help show support by sending appreciation packages to deployed soldiers. Hero Hugs is now a nationally recognized 501c3 organization and Operation Iraqi Friendship is a project run under the organization.
Tim has helped his little sister send over 26,000 appreciation packages to soldiers and Tim has sent more than $150,000 in school supplies and toys for kids in Iraq. In the past four years, Tim has logged over 4,000 hours working with Hero Hugs and OIF. While most teens spend their weekends at the movies or the mall with friends, Tim spends his weekends running fundraisers or going to air shows where he and his sister pass out appreciation bags and personally thank our troops! Tim is truly an inspiration to all who meet him.