Melissa Hanks and her husband, Thomas, are already cutting back on bills. Thomas will not receive a paycheck Thursday after 18 years of service.
GARDEN RIDGE, Texas — When a military family makes a sacrifice, it’s usually in service to our country.
But now, some families are having to make even more sacrifices just to get by as the federal government shutdown continues.
Melissa Hanks and her husband, Thomas, are already cutting back on bills. The business she works for, Hercules Foundation Repair and Remodeling, is raising donations for the community in need.
Melissa’s husband has served in the Air Force for 18 years; that’s nearly two decades of sacrifices on their part. It’s brought a lot of joy to their lives.
“We’ve had the opportunity to travel, and we’ve met amazing people,” Melissa said.
It’s also supported their daughter along the way.
Thursday, however, will be the first time Thomas doesn’t see a paycheck for his service.
“You know, we try to stay strong for the family,” Melissa said.
They are practicing strength to make more sacrifices.
“We have to figure out what bills we’re going to pay and what bills are gonna have to wait to be paid.”
That includes giving up a trip to visit their family, their support system, which Melissa said they desperately need.
“That’s a sacrifice we’re going to have to make because we don’t know when the next paycheck is coming,” she said.
The need reaches beyond their family.
“Not getting one paycheck is going to be detrimental to getting food on the table, so we’ve come together and we are trying to gather as many donations and distribute them throughout the area.”
The company Melissa works for, Hercules Foundation Repair and Remodeling, announced it would start collecting donations to help other military families.
“Many of our customers and employees are not only active duty, but there are also veterans,” she said. “So it hits close to home.”
On Thursday and Friday, as well as all next week, they will be accepting non-perishable items at 19942 FM 2252 Building 6 in Garden Ridge. Donations will then be taken to VFW 8573 in Canyon Lake, where they will be distributed.
Thomas can’t abandon his mission. Which means Melissa must fight for hers.
“During the holidays, even putting food on their table, that means everything to me.”