KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasWives and Daughters of Fallen Soldiers Get Royal Treatment
Katie Staats is sharing time with other girls who lost their fathers.LAS VEGAS -- A special group of visitors is getting the royal treatment while in Las Vegas. The visitors are the wives and daughters of American soldiers who have been killed.
For some of these families, it is their first outing since the death of their loved one. Project Gratitude attempts to bring some happiness into the lives of the military families who must now live with the often unbearable reality that their loved ones will never return home.
Colorado resident Meagan Staats' husband David was killed while serving in Iraq in 2006. She says the attention has been humbling for her and her 10-year-old daughter, Katie.
"We are having so much fun and we are being catered to and loved and getting the royal treatment," she said.
The focus on Friday was all about being girls. The 22 mothers and daughters were greeted with cheers as they arrived at Macy's for free makeovers, a shopping spree and a special lunch. While nothing can ever fill the void these women and children feel, they say events like this let them know there are people who want to acknowledge the deep sacrifices they've made for the country.
"I'm really happy I can share what I feel with other people and that when I say I know how you feel and they say I know how you feel, they actually do," said Katie Staats, whose father was killed.
The mothers and daughters will be special guests at the Miss America pageant over the weekend.
The event was sponsored by Macy's and organized by Project Gratitude, the Got Your Back Network and TAPS, which stands for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
These non-profit groups are dedicated to supporting military families whose loved ones have died while serving their country.
