PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The six radio stations of Audacy Philadelphia, which includes KYW Newsradio, have partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation to make the northeast Philadelphia home of a gold star wife safe and secure.
Marine Lance Corporal John T. Byrd was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004. His wife Jessica was pregnant with their son Elijah, who is now 16 years old.
“It’s not something that is brought up normally, and then when we bring it up, I’m like, 'Man, he has done so much for me," Elijah Byrd said.
"What I would do just to spend 10 minutes with him.”
The Byrd family’s northeast Philadelphia home near Nightingale Road and Normandy drive was in need of repair.
About a year ago, Audacy Philadelphia, area businesses like Rosengarten Roofing and the Travis Manion Foundation joined forces through Operation Legacy to make the necessary repairs and improvements.
“We want to invest in veterans and families of the fallen, so they can go out and continue to share that story. Our country needs to hear about the Lance Corporal Byrds,” Travis Manion Foundation COO Josh Jabin said. The foundation supports veterans and families of the fallen.
Jessica Byrd, an in-home nurse for caring for low-income, first-time expecting mothers, is grateful for all the support and the restful nights she’s been getting.
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"Everyone knows how important sleep is, and for me, I know I sleep better now that I have a new roof," she said.
“I’m not hearing drips. I don’t have anxiety about infestations."
There is also new wiring, heating system, furniture and other structural and cosmetic improvements.
Jessica explained that to her, America represents family, unity and community.
“When people really get together to just build fellowship with each other and support each other."
