The first thought that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of Hilton Head is the miles of beaches. Picture yourself lying on the beach, sand covering every inch of you, in your hair and in your toes. Now picture yourself the same way thousands of miles from your home, in a foreign country with not so welcoming sand in your eyes and toes. You haven’t seen your family or friends in several months. This is what the men and woman of the United States Military are faced with every day.

Thankfully, due to the generosity of many property owners on Hilton Head and Operation R & R, returning local veterans have the chance, to rest on more familiar sand. This time with their family & friends present!

Recently, a returning veteran and his family spent a week on Hilton Head. Before their departure they asked us, what they could do to let the property owner know just how much their generosity was appreciated. We suggested that a note to the owner was enough, and that we would be more than happy to pass it along. Imagine our surprise when the soldier dropped off a helmet with a special note:

“Operation R & R Thank you soooo much for a wonderful family trip on the best island (HHI). I have 27 months in Iraq under my belt and going back for another 12 months. Every weekend with my family is special to me. Thank you for this special moment.
GOD BLESS YOU!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

We were sure to get that in the mail to the owner as soon as possible. After a few days we contacted the property owners who stated they were “overwhelmed” with the gift and stated they thought it was “really great” that Hilton Head Rentals & Golf would participate in such a great program!

In these troubling times it is nice to see that the members of our Armed Forces appreciate what we do for them, as much we appreciate what the members of our Armed Forces do for us.