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myles
You never know when a small act of kindness will make a huge difference. That’s the lesson Myles Eckert of Toledo, Ohio discovered on what could be described as just a normal day for the thoughtful boy.
It all started one morning when Myles and his family were having breakfast at a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Myles found a $20 bill in the parking lot. As he sat at the table, he debated about what he would do with his newfound fortune. He considered buying something for himself. But he also thought it would be better to pay it forward. After all, the money had just come easily into his life surely there was someone out there who might appreciate it more.
In the restaurant on that same day, was a serviceman in uniform and his family. On seeing the soldier in his uniform, Myles was reminded of his own father and decided he would give the $20 to the serviceman. He wrapped the twenty dollars in a note that read, “Dear Soldier – my dad was a soldier. He’s in heaven now. I found this $20 in the parking lot when we got here. We like to pay it forward in my family. It’s your lucky day! Thank you for your service. Myles Eckert a Gold Star kid.”
Myles’ father, Army Sgt. Andy Eckert, was killed in Iraq soon after Myles was born. The term Gold Star kid, Myles used in his note, is in reference to the child survivors of servicemen or women have been killed during a period of war or hostilities.
After the soldier received the note in the restaurant he texted a picture to his daughter who then posted it to social media and Myles’ act of kindness began to spread. So much so that people started to send $20 to Myles and his family. However, rather than accepting the money for himself, Myles decided to donate it to charities that help Gold Star children. To date, more than $2,000,000.00 has been raised by Myles.
Myles Eckert was selected to receive a Citizen Honors Award by the Recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Sources:
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/boy-s-20-tribute-to-fallen-dad-blossoms-into-millions-to-help-others-1.401176
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-the-road-boy-who-gave-soldier-20-he-found-wins-high-honor-medal-of-honor-myles-eckert/
