"Our children volunteered to fight. We need to support them and our country… not camp out in a field and protest the war. I’m proud of my son, his friends and every soldier defending our country. I started this charity to support them and make it easier and affordable for military personnel to return home when they can.”

The words of Debbie Tate of Missouri City Texas. Her 24 year old son Chase is in the 1st Armored Division and about to begin his second tour in Iraq. “I may not see him again until 2007 – I’m so glad he was able to afford a flight back to Texas. But I was a lucky mom. Many won’t get to see their loved ones because the nature of “a leave” often offers little or no time to book an affordable, advance airfare. Military transports are available – but they fill up quickly and sometimes the waiting list is so long that the soldiers only get to spend a portion of their leave at home. I just want to rally the community – and the entire state, to raise the money – or even have frequent flyer miles donated - to fly the defenders of our country home for a visit. It’s great for morale on both ends. That’s why I have organized the non-profit charity T.O.M. Fly Home.”

T.O.M. Fly Home* (Texas Overseas Based Military Fly Home) is a fund of community money that helps our Texas soldiers fly back home and visit with loved ones during their time off. Many can’t afford the commercial fare which can range from $1000 - $2000. We, at home, would like to help our fighting men and women achieve that dream.” Tate said.