by Kim Gebbia
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - This is often the hardest time of the year for those who have lost loved ones, especially the families of the more than 100 Fort Campbell soldiers who died serving in Afghanistan this year. One of those families who lost a soldier got a little holiday help from a NewsChannel 5 viewer.
They were perfect strangers to Kim Culbreth, a widow who lost her husband in November. But to them, Culbreth was a familiar face.
The people who showed up at her house on Thursday watched Culbreth sit through a teary interview on NewsChannel 5 at her husband's memorial in Clarksville. On Thursday, they arrived with a van full of presents and a truck full of food.
"My mouth dropped I had no idea it was all for us," said Culbreth.
"What their real loss is it's a slight diversion a short diversion from the reality that's going to set back in," said Rob Pittman, who runs Superior Orthotics and Prosthetics that organized the donations.
That painful reality started a month ago when NewsChannel 5 first spoke to Kim Culbreth at her husband's memorial.
Wife Remembers Fallen Fort Campbell Soldier
During her sit down interview she said, "There are no words to describe he was my best friend and he will be missed more than words could ever describe."
Brave enough to tell us about her husband Justin Culbreth and how he died from an IED while serving on the frontlines in Afghanistan.
One viewer couldn't forget the pain she saw that day, so she decided to act.
"Thanks to NewsChannel and I saw your report and it struck a deep cord with me and a man who gave his life for us and our country," said Donna Boggs.
Donna Boggs rallied her co-workers, and they wanted the Culbreths to know their sacrifice will not be forgotten this holiday season.
"Thank you and we appreciate all the things you've done for us this is a Christmas miracle," said Culbreth's 10-year-old son, Cole.
She added that the loss has been especially tough on Cole.
"He was everything to me, my dad, he did everything for me," Cole said when asked about hid dad.
While the neatly wrapped packages are by no means a replacement for their dad, Kim said it's a distraction during the time of year they all need it most.
"Getting family time and opening gifts and having something good to talk about and a good memory this year along with an unfortunate one," said Culbreth.
This Saturday, they will be keeping Justin's memory alive, remembering his sacrifice, and thanking those perfect strangers for a Christmas they will never forget.
"When people bring things it gives you the joy to love Christmas again," said Cole.
The company, Superior Orthotics and Prosthetics, really didn't even want our cameras there, insisting they did not want any kind of publicity from helping the Culbreths; they say giving back is just part of their routine every Christmas season.
Those employees also brought enough food to last the Culbreths several months.
Email: kgebbia@newschannel5.com
