Single military mom gets "Salute to Troops" surprise

We were thrilled to be a part of a special surprise this morning for Sergeant 1st Class Casandra Sanders.

Sgt. Sanders is one of the 70,000 American service members who are single parents. Her two daughters Kiera and Jade have already been away from their mom during a deployment to Kuwait in 2005. Now the family is facing a second deployment, possibly to Afghanistan next year... so in order to make sure they get as much together-time as possible before that happens we teamed up with Operation G.I. Jane, an organization that provides support for single moms who serve in the military.

Thanks to Operation G. I. Jane, Sgt. Sanders and her two daughters will be "deploying" together to a luxury hotel for three nights of indulgence. But wait, there's more! Wait till you see Kiera and Jade's reaction to ANOTHER surprise... an iPod Touch for each! Priceless!

With a full 5 percent of American Military raising a family in a single parent home, military supports groups can be vital resources. For example, Operation G.I. Jane helps to provide communication between deployed parents and their children, airfare for much-needed visits home, necessities kits for both mother and child, and even career transition help.

If you are a single mom in the military or if you'd like to lend a helping hand to single moms who serve, visit Operation-GIJane.org.

Single military dads, and military families in general can visit the U.S. Department of Defense Military Family Support page to find resources as well.

Submit a salute of your own by visiting the special Morning Express with Robin Meade Salute To Troops assignment page at: iReport.com!

Filed under: Salute to Troops