Veteran From Loveland, Colorado Helps Kids In Iraq & at Home [PICTURES]

I don't usually write about the military on our website.  Charley Barnes usually covers that and he does such a good job with it, but  I have such a respect for the fighting men and women that lay their lives on the line for our country every single day. During the 28 Hours of Hope I crossed paths with a veteran of the war in Iraq and I had to share his story.  It's not one you see on the news every day.

Mike Flood is retire Air Force Colonel from Loveland.  He was award the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit for his service in Iraq.  On Thursday, Mike made a very generous donation to the 15th Annual 28 Hours of Hope.  Mike told me it really hit him hard because he is a grandfather and it took him back to the Middle East where he had the opportunity to help kids in Iraq.

In one case Mike had the opportunity to help a little girl named Azhara, who had severe burns to her hand.  She is pictured below with her father.  If Colonel flood hadn't gotten her to the Combat Area Support Hospital in time, she may have lost her hand. The good news is, now her hand has completely healed.

The Colonel had several chances to bring smiles to the faces of kids while he was deployed. The picture on the left is Mike providing gifts to a Bedouin family. The little girl's name was Dahlia. Our hats off to a true American hero. Thank you Colonel Flood for your service here and abroad.