Memphis, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Just in time for the holidays,a way for loved ones to stay in touch with soldiers deployed. Local 24News Weeknight Anchor Katina Rankin takes a look at an organization that’splugged in and providing internet and streaming to members of themilitary. It’s local good news.
Meet Kendall and Sydney. They recently began the WiFi forWarriors nonprofit to help soldiers stay in touch with their loved ones whenserving our country away from home.
“We raise money to help soldiers stay connected to theirfamilies when they are deployed,” said WiFi for Warriors co-founder KendallCrumbaugh.
The nonprofit began after Labor Day when the Ole Miss alumni metat a lake. Kendall told friends about her brother-in-law Michael, an Army Ranger,being deployed.
“When a soldier is deployed, they have to pay for their ownWiFi, which most of them don’t know that until they get there,” said Crumbaugh.
Depending on where a soldier is stationed, it cancost up to $180 a month.
“To hear that these enlisted men and women aren’t able to payfor their WiFi because they have to pay for their kids to go to school, and tohave coats, and all the necessities – and you want them to connect to theirfamilies when they are over there; and, if they don’t get the opportunity to dothat – it’s just sad,” said WiFi For Warriors member SydneyReece.
Kendall didn’t want her sister Morgan to miss a bit of qualitytime with her hubby. And she says the WiFi does more than let soldierschat with family.
“It helps them reintegrate with society when they come backbecause they’re up-to-date on news, pop culture, shows – just little thingsthat help them feel better about reintegrating with society,” saidCrumbaugh.