Thank you JAG, Team Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tracy Dorgan
  • 82nd Training Wing Legal Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Since Nov. 29, I have truly come to understand the full meaning behind the phrases "Judge Advocate General family" and "Team Sheppard."

As many of you know, my family and I experienced a fire that destroyed approximately 60 percent for our home. Thankfully no one was injured.

The fire happened five days before our twins' birthday and less than a month before Christmas. As we watched our house burn, we had no idea what we were going to do. The shock of that evening was quickly overshadowed by the incredible support we received from our JAG family.

Before the fire was even out, my staff judge advocate, Col. Brad Roan, and my law office superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Rob Hudson, were in action taking care of us. SMSgt Hudson contacted our friends; retired Master Sgt. Judy Richardson and her husband and they rushed over and never left our side until the fire went out. Sergeant Hudson and Colonel Roan quickly arranged billeting on base for us and went into complete support mode.

At one point in the evening, my husband said "What are we going to do? We can't afford this."

I told him not to worry about it and I was sure we could go to Air Force Aid or something. Little did I know that our JAG and Team Sheppard families were going to insure we were taken care of.

Early the next morning we were surprised with a list of JAG personnel who would cook dinner for us for the next week. We were also handed the beginning of the incredible donations from Team Sheppard and from JAG members around the world that would be coming in for us over the next month.

We were also told that the office was organizing a birthday party for our twins. We were in complete awe, and remain in awe, at the magnitude of support we have received.

The fire was devastating, but I can tell you that my family has rebounded incredibly well from this disaster thanks to all your prayers, support and donations.

Fortunately, we had insurance on our home and it will cover the cost of rebuilding. Thanks for all the donations we received. Our children had an incredible Christmas, we've been able to clothe our three children, set up our temporary home and get back on our feet in an incredibly short amount of time.

Thank you to my worldwide JAG family and to Team Sheppard for being a true family and taking care of mine. Bless you all.