Operation Once in a Lifetime » Making the Dreams of Soldiers Come True

SSG Travis Mills

Posted on 19 April 2012

A soldier, husband and father lost both legs and arms to an IED in Afghanistan.

SSG Travis Mills was on his third deployment to Afghanistan when tragedy struck last Tuesday. SSG Travis Mills was on patrol in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED. The explosion took both his legs and both arms, but thanks to his strength and strong heart SSG Mills survived and is only the FOURTH U.S. Service Member to survive a quadruple amputation on the battlefield.

The loss of all four limbs is something that is unimaginable. He will never be able to hold his wife in his own arms or hug his kids ever again… Something that is even just as unimaginable is the emotional hardships and financial strains that come along with this kind of injury and recovery.

SSG Mills has years of rehabilitation and recovery ahead of him, but thanks to the love of his wife, daughter, family and friends being by his side things will be made a little easier, and this is where we need your help.

Operation Once in a Lifetime is raising funds for SSG Mills and his family as there will be several financial hardships that will arise during his recovery, such as flights for loved ones and friends to visit him, lodging and helping pay their mortgage for their house located in North Carolina as they will be moving onto military housing soon near the hospital in DC.

If you would like to help SSG Mills and his family please donate today by clicking on the donation link above. Thank you for your donations, your support and for remembering we are a nation at war.

Help the Cogswell Family

Posted on 24 January 2012

Spc. Cogswell, who has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, is currently stationed in Hawaii with the 57th Military Police Company, 8th MP Brigade at Schofield Barracks. They have 3 daughters, one of which, Cadence, was sadly stricken with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Septo Optic Dysplasia that is causing her to go blind. The doctors are predicting that she will likely have no vision this time next year.

The Cogswell’s are trying to make as many memories as they can while Cadence still has some sight left. They are requesting to fly back home to Georgia to see their family and to go to Disneyland which has been a longtime dream for Cadence.

We are kindly asking for donations to fly the family of five home to Georgia and then to Disneyland. Kindly consider donating today. Thank you!

The Dallas Mavericks participating in Toys for Troops

Posted on 13 December 2011

Our favorite basketball team is joining in for our toy drive. See the details.

Give To Our U.S. Soldiers This Holiday Season

Posted on 30 November 2011

Operation Once in a Lifetime has multiple programs to offer assistance to U.S. service members and their families during the holidays such as helping FLY A SOLDIER HOME, OPERATION FULL SUPPORT and our annual TOYS FOR TROOPS drive where we collect toys for military families that could use a little extra help during the holidays. With your kind donations, we can make some holiday dreams come true. Please donate today to the following drop-off locations: