In March, six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command were killed in action during a drone strike at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. The Des Moines, Iowa, unit returned from deployment and, this month, had the opportunity to grieve their fallen service members at a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program event in Dallas, TX.

Nearly 150 National Guard and Reserve Service members — plus many families — came to mourn, and five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Texas and Oklahoma and one Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team joined together to meet, talk, pray, and sometimes just be silent with them during a period of somber reflection and honor.

The HMC team from Christ the Redeemer in Tulsa, OK, erected six purple HMCs for attendees to sign, and they quickly filled with messages of respect, admiration, and grief.​

Right beside them were Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Joy (Gloria Dei – Houston, TX), Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Pax (St. Paul – Fort Worth, TX), Persis Comfort Dog (Christ The Redeemer – Tulsa, OK), Olive Comfort Dog (St. Paul – Fort Worth, TX), and Triton Comfort Dog (Messiah – Plano, TX).

As the Army soldiers and families came through, one group at a time, stories flowed about the people who passed.

- One gentleman was affectionately referred to as “Mr. Mountain Dew”, by a number of service members close to him. 
- Another young service member reflected that he had not been “this close to death before”, having not experienced loss in in personal life, at the young age of 20 years old.  
- Another U.S. Army mate shared his feelings of loss, as the service member who passed was just about to celebrate his 21st birthday and they had made plans to mark the occasion together.  Instead, this man shared, he was out alone on his fallen friend’s birthday and lifted a glass in his memory. 

The fallen heroes include:
• Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa
• Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Spotsylvania, Virginia
• Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
• Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa

LCC volunteers noted that there was a reflective, peaceful atmosphere around the hearts, as each group came through, remembering the lost. 

The division chaplain struggled to write on each heart, having known each of the soldiers personally.  Similarly, many of the soldiers took their time, coming back to the hearts time and again, choosing intentionally what to write.  

“We are so thankful that these hearts will be gifted directly to the families of the service members who died,” said Sarah Sekki, Director of Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. “We pray that they will be strengthened throughout their grief journey.”

K-9 Comfort Dog handlers, similarly, witnessed unique “God moments.”

Kim Gastler, a veteran and handler for Kare 9 Military Dog Joy handed out challenge coins to service members. “Everyone loved the coins and some were really surprised to receive one,” he said. 

Steve and Roxy Hurry, handlers for Comfort Dog Persis, spent time with a young family with two small children. Facebook messages had sustained the couple during those long months away. He enjoyed seeing Persis and when the Roxys presented him a stuffie dog, tears flowed. “Our dogs brought him back to … the reality of being home,” Steve shared.

Paul and LaRae Witsaman with Kare 9 Military Dog Pax said their “God moment” was simply sitting with soldiers and “just giving them peace.” They listened to stories and handed out stuffies to the kids. One mom, a kindergarten teacher with two kids, needed prayers and long hugs. “It felt like she was just hanging on. She was so grateful to the comfort dogs.”

Terry Young, who was with Comfort Dog Olive, is a veteran who had done a tour of duty in Kuwait in 1999 while in the U.S. Air Force. He said having the hearts and crosses right next to the comfort dogs provided a natural flow. “People could reflect and leave notes to the fallen soldiers, and then they could be comforted by the dogs and have the opportunity to talk about their experiences — and potentially be prayed for,” he said. “having been through many line of duty deaths myself, I can see how this was a blessing.”
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Also with Olive was LuAnn Kelly, who spent a lot of time with a 22-year-old woman who is a single mom and caregiver for her mother. She had a tattoo that was a tribute to the fallen soldiers. It is 6 lines and the spacing had meaning with fading ashes falling beneath it. She said many in her unit got the tattoo including the Chaplin.

With Triton Comfort Dog were Jane and Jerry Baedke, who talked with a family who had a soldier still making recovery visits to Walter Reed Hospital. While his arm is limited, he made an effort to sign all six hearts. The Baedkes prayed with him, his wife, two children and his mother, who had tears in her eyes. Triton picked up on the emotional vulnerability and positioned himself on the soldier’s foot during the prayer.

LCC thanks the following volunteers who served on this outreach:

K-9 Comfort Dog Teams

Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Joy  
⁠Kim (U.S. Navy) and Karen Gastler

Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Pax 
LaRae Witsaman 
Paul Witsaman MP (U.S. Air Force)

Persis Comfort Dog
Roxy and Steve Hurry

Olive Comfort Dog
Bob Hampton 
Samantha Hosti 
LuAnn Kelly
Trista Schweitzer
Terry Young MP (U.S. Air Force / Air National Guard)

Triton Comfort Dog
Jane and Jerry Baedke


Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Team
Sandy Cooper 
Ed and Diane Fager 

Lutheran Church Charities staff and volunteers are preparing deployment plans to Wisconsin and across Northern Illinois this week to bring disaster response assistance and spiritual care after severe storms with hail and an EF-3 tornado hit Monday afternoon causing widespread damage across both states.

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado packed winds of more than 136 miles per hour near Appleton, WI, calling it “extremely dangerous.” Reports of extensive damage have come in throughout the Fox River Valley and Lake Winnebago, especially the towns of Appleton and Menasha, including homes destroyed, trees split and shredded, and debris everywhere. Tens of thousands are without power. 

In Northern Illinois, roadways were temporarily blocked by downed trees and storm damage, roofs ripped off, buildings collapsed, and some flash flooding. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) crews were already at work yesterday in Frankfort, IL, with requests coming in from Wheaton, Homewood, Markham, and Steger. 

LCC plans call for Spiritual First Aid™-trained volunteers to join them in caring for homeowners shaken by the storm, bringing care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities. They'll also serve at Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) events being planned in both states.

"This round of severe weather has hit close to home for us at LCC," said President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer, who has been in contact with Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod district officials and LCMS pastors since Monday. "LCC has dearly loved volunteers, teams, and church affiliates in Appleton, Greenville, and across Northern Illinois. They are already at work caring for their neighbors, and LCC is eager to work alongside them to bring comfort and compassion to these hurting communities."​

Late Monday, President Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s South Wisconsin District and President Rev. Dr. Allan Buss of the Northern Illinois District invited LCC to bring Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers and Spiritual First Aid™-trained caregivers to their regions to assist in storm cleanup and care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities.

LCC has also been in communication with LCMS pastors in Appleton, WI, Greenville, WI, and Beecher, IL.
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LERT crews in Northern Illinois are responding to requests for assistance in Wheaton, IL, and Frankfort, IL, starting today, said LCC Disaster Response Director Deaconess Kathy O'Day. 

Meanwhile, LCC affiliate churches Faith Lutheran in Appleton, WI, home of K-9 Comfort Dog Hagar and a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in Greenville, WI, home of K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria, report that their communities were severely impacted and are providing help to neighborhoods, including opening up to those who need power. 

Rev. Singer is calling on LCC supporters to pray for those impacted by these powerful storms and for the first responders who are working to assist communities.

“Today, our neighbors who have been affected by these storms and a tornado are in great need. They’re scared and shaken. Let’s lift them up in prayer and respond with generous support, providing shelter, comfort, and hope in the name of Jesus,” Rev. Singer said. “We ask that the Holy Spirit would be near to them now amid the shock and devastation.”

LCC sends volunteer ministry teams as a reminder to hurting communities that people across the nation love and support them. LCC seeks to provide those impacted by natural disasters with opportunities to process their trauma and receive messages of love and hope, ultimately finding the solace that can only come from Jesus. 

Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.

Every year at the Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering, emotions run strong as attendees seek a way to find peace amid their grief.  

And at the 2026 event, last weekend in Pittsburgh, PA, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited again to bring stillness, calm, hope — and their “golden glitter.”  

Three K-9 Comfort Dog teams from three states — Abraham Comfort Dog (Trinity – Hicksville, NY), Honey Comfort Dog (St. Paul – Westlake, OH), and Kezia Comfort Dog (Emmanuel – Baltimore, MD) — answered the call to attend the conference to share God's love through their peaceful presence and unexplainable compassion.

Each year, the K-9 Comfort Dogs are a welcome sight among all ages, event organizers said.

“LCC’s Comfort Dogs have been providing that comfort at our events and they are requested every year,” they said. “I love seeing the pictures of one of our attendees hugging the dogs, sometimes it is the comfort another human cannot provide. Adults, bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings.”

Throughout the conference, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time with parents and families grieving the loss of a child, offering a listening ear, gentle comfort, and moments of peace during a deeply emotional event. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those carrying profound grief and pray that each person experienced hope, comfort, and the reminder that they are not alone,” said Donna Haines with Team Abraham Comfort Dog. 

Throughout the Gathering, the teams were reminded of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount: 

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." -- Matthew 5:4

One of the handlers recalled a woman attendee who attended the Gathering for the first time. 

She shared that she was away on a business trip when her daughter died. She had left her with her husband and believed that she only had a cold. But it turned into something much worse and she passed away. 

“She didn’t know what to expect, and she appreciated the support that was surrounding her because her husband is still struggling, as she is as well,” Haines said.

The K-9 teams also met a vendor who had created a camp for siblings, so they might experience support. Many campers struggle with survivors’ guilt, and the camp organizers help the children through their grief and deepen their understanding. 
​

Hugs were exchanged, words of encouragement were offered, and a Heart of Mercy & Compassion was signed—but it was clear that Orlando Rivas' name had already been written on the hearts of so many.

Last night in Wheeling, IL, family, friends, students, coworkers, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the life of the 52-year-old Buffalo Grove High School safety officer, who lost his life in May trying to protect students during afternoon dismissal. 

One truth became impossible to miss: a community wasn't simply mourning a tragic loss—it was honoring a man who had quietly and faithfully changed lives. Every story shared revealed another glimpse of Orlando's character, his kindness, and his gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Lutheran Church Charities was humbled to present Orlando's family with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion filled with messages of love and support and white cross to hold the heart.

“We pray that this HMC will serve as a lasting reminder that the love Orlando so freely shared continues to live on in the lives of those who knew him, and that God's mercy and comfort will surround his family in the days ahead,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer, who attended the remembrance with other LCC staff members.

The gathering, called  “A Night Remembering Orlando Rivas,” was organized by School District 214, Ala Carte Entertainment, Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub, Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, and the Chicago White Sox. The evening brought together family, friends, community leaders, and special guests, including ESPN host David Kaplan, Chicago White Sox executive Howard Pizer, and former White Sox player Ron Kittle.

During the evening, Rivas's father shared that he cherished the simple things his son did and remarked that Orlando "was a beautiful boy."

Rivas's brother added:  “Our parents raised us Love faith and every opportunity they could. I don’t just miss my brother I miss my other half."

Back in May, as the school year concluded, Buffalo Grove students, teachers, and administrators mourned Rivas as a hero. 

LCC sent six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Illinois and Wisconsin to visit the school three days in early May to uplift the heartbroken campus community and join them in their grief at his unexpected passing.

As one handler shared, “Orlando showed sacrificial love for students in choosing this position in retirement and selflessness in his heroic final minutes.”

Rivas was a father of four who leaves behind a family and extended family acknowledging his loss as a “big blow.” He had taken the job to support his family and allow his wife Erin to stay home with children. 

The school has hurt too. In a letter to parents, Principal Jeff Wardle said that “Several staff and students witnessed this serious accident. Traumatic events like this can be upsetting to hear about.”

He reached out to LCC for some canine care, and teams from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin agreed to come multiple days and greet students and staff in the library and common spaces in the school. Among them were Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, WI), Samson (Zion – Marengo, IL), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL).

A new school year is well under way in Haiti, and Lutheran Church Charities and its donors are supporting another group of schoolchildren through the Haiti Tuition & Food Support Fund, which covers schooling, supplies, and nutritious meals.

For these children, school is not just a place of learning, but it’s a lifeline, said Lophane Laurent, field director for Mission: Haiti.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and children there face unimaginable challenges — hunger, gang violence, life on the streets. Many live in homes without electricity, clean water, or secure shelter. Only 57% of children are enrolled in primary school and less than 30% make it to sixth grade.

“When you support a child’s education in Haiti, it’s more than just a blessing — it’s life-changing,” Laurent said. “The parents and children are deeply grateful for your generosity to get to go to school again this year.”

Since 2012, LCC has stood alongside the children of Haiti, offering not just education, but hope, dignity, and a future.

In Haiti, education is not free — not in public schools or private schools. Every classroom seat comes at a cost that most families cannot afford. Yet, without education, these children face a life marked by poverty, danger, and despair.

Christian schools provide a lifeline. Through they too must charge tuition to cover basic needs, they offer a more affordable, faith-filled alternative that opens doors to learning, safety, and the love of Christ.

“I was almost crying to hear from the students because I know what it means going to school in Haiti,” Laurent shared. “There are a lot of kids who are in gangs now because their parents can’t afford to send them to school. They stay on the streets, and the gangs hire them. So I want to thank all the members of LCC and the donors for their support.”

LCC’s Haiti Tuition & Food Support Fund is seeking to raise funds this year to provide tuition to attend Lutheran schools, nutritious daily meals, medical supplies, school materials, and Christmas food packages for the students and their families.

“These children are facing extreme poverty, gang threats, physical hunger, and spiritual darkness,” LCC President and CEO Rev. Chris Singer said. “Your gift will bring not just education, but hope in Christ.”
Your help can go a long way:

• $45 per month sends a child to school
• $60 provides a Christmas food package that can feed a family for 3-5 days
• $70 equips a student with medical supplies and school materials
• $225 covers a whole semester of tuition

 
“To be honest with you, if LCC stopped its support, all of those students would be on the streets and invited to work for the gangs,” Laurent said. “But with LCC, our kids are at school and busy doing their homework. On Sunday, they go to church.”

Haiti Tuition & Food Support campaign, is an extension of LCC’s foundational mission to bring HOPE TO THE HURTING and sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus to those in need.

This campaign will unfold in phases from through Spring 2026, and your support will be felt every step of the way. Through stories, updates, and photos, you’ll see how your generosity is changing lives—one child at a time.

Be a light. Give hope. Support the future of the children in Haiti. Join us in extending the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to these precious children. Their tomorrow depends on what we choose to do today.

Three LERT volunteers removed a large tree that was damaged on June 10 from straight line winds at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Chicago, which also houses the soup kitchen. At the ​time of the storm, a large limb fell onto the church’s fence, blocking part of the sidewalk, and striking a parked car. Pastor Caesar Sifuentes expressed his thanks for the assistance in making the church property safe again for those coming for services and meals. He sincerely thanked each of the men and fed them lunch when they were done.

Leaders in the communities of Streator, IL, and Merrillville, IN, sent thank you messages to Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response this week, expressing deep gratitude for the compassion and assistance provided after the multi-vortex tornadoes in June. The letters pointed out the resources provided, donations made, cleanup work completed, and families supported. "Disasters often reveal the true character of a community, and your willingness to step forward demonstrates kindness, selflessness, and a commitment to others," Mayor Tara Bedei of Streator said. ​