Brandon Twp.- Santa Claus arrived a few days early for George Stratton and his family.
On Dec. 22, Sheriff Michael Bouchard, along with an entourage from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, pulled boxes full of wrapped Christmas gifts from a vehicle and walked up to the front door of the home Stratton, a veteran, shares with his fiancee, Donna, and their children, Joshua, 5, Lila, 3, and Luke, 2.
‘Are these our presents?? asked Lila, dancing outside in balmy temperatures. She and her siblings then helped Bouchard and Detective Nick Pung from the Brandon substation place gifts under and around their living room’s lit Christmas tree, formerly bereft of gifts.
Emanuel Dines, a VA Hospital caseworker for veterans of Operating Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, stood by, watching with a smile.
He referred Stratton when OCSO officials told him they would like to adopt a veteran and family in need of assistance for Christmas.
‘He is a separated veteran who has been adjusting to being a civilian,? said Dines. ‘It’s nice that folks are remembering veterans outside of Veterans Day.?
Stratton, 28, enlisted in the Army in June of 2006 and deployed to Iraq twice during his nine years of service, including a deployment from April 2007 to June 2008, and a second stint from Sept. 11, 2009 to August 2010.
‘It was hell serving over there,? said Stratton. ‘We did suffer a few casualties, moreso than I’d like to admit.?
He served stateside at Ft. Lewis, Wash., Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ft. Stewart in Ga. and left the Army in June of this year with recognition including an Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Army Good Conduct Medals, American Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon.
‘It’s our duty to serve those who have served us,? said Bouchard, who began the adopt a veteran program five years ago, supported by OCSO staff members and the community. ‘We find out what these families have on their wish list and fill those wishes. The VA is aware of the total circumstances surrounding individuals and can tell us which families need help the most.This program lets us pretend we are Santa for the day.?
In the beginning of December, OCSO sent an email to more than 1,200 employees letting them know of the Stratton family wishes, which included Sofia the First toys for Lila, Paw Patrol and Spongebob toys for Luke and Star Wars toys for Joshua.
The employees came through, as did other county residents who know of the program and chipped in to make the family’s Christmas merry.
‘We’ve had a few struggles, but it’s all right,? said Stratton. ‘I’m a stay-at-home daddy. I didn’t know about the adopt a veteran program, my VA rep put my name in for it and asked me if I would mind. I told him it was awesome, I didn’t know what to say. Santa showed up today, pretty much. I am so appreciative.?
For more information on the adopt a veteran program, email
ocso@oakgov.com.