As we read of the impending state budget cuts, the rising unemployment rate and other dismal news, I would like to take a moment to salute folks that look for ways to solve problems using their own time and talents instead of merely bemoaning some of the life’s lesser moments. “American ingenuity” is defined as being resourceful and innovative. One of my neighbors in the Round Rock area is an excellent example of American ingenuity. Tracy LaPorte is a business owner, mom and founder of “Military Moms of Texas (MMOT).” When her son, Adam, was deployed to Iraq about a year ago, she looked around for a group of other military families for support and found none in our area that met her needs. So, instead of looking for the government or others to start and fund a program, she started one herself. Since that time, MMOT has been involved in a variety of activities including sending care packages to the deployed troops, having support group meetings, taking soldiers without transportation to and from the airport, manning booths at various local events and more. One of the most moving things Tracy organized was a neighborhood parade to welcome home a local Marine who was returning to our area briefly after two tours in Iraq, before he left for his third tour. Tracy managed to turn out hundreds of folks to line the street with American flags and homemade signs to let him and his family know that we appreciate his and their sacrifice. She did all of this while also working and raising her other children, one of whom is a toddler. Currently, she is organizing a care package drive to send to deployed soldiers in honor of the 4th of July. She is in urgent need of cash to ship the packages. More information is available on the MMOT’s website, http://www.militarymomsoftexas.com, Click on the care packages link for a list of needed items. Additionally, Tracy and MMOT will have a table at the grand opening of the Williamson County Jester Annex on June 16th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. to accept donations. For more information on the event, see my earlier post on this site. If you can help, please do so.
Folks like Tracy LaPorte inspire others to do what they can do to improve our community. I know many local citizens have lost their jobs, are doing with less and are in need. I urge everyone who can help others, if it is by donating to MMOT, by showing up at a parade to welcome home a Marine or by solving another problem in our community, to use your American ingenuity to work for a positive outcome.
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