On World Wish Day, which was April 29, thanks to some wonderful Make-A-Wish partners, Jared learned in a big way that his wish to Hawaii will be happening -- in two short weeks.
Hawaiian dancers revealed that he and his family will attend a special luau, where Jared will learn to hula. Presented with everything a surfer would need, Jared was excited to learn that he will also spend a day receiving individualized surfing lessons.
With a long family history of military service, Jared has always been intrigued by World War II and believes that a relative of his may have been on the USS Missouri. In a touching ceremony where Jared was made a "Marine for the Day," he learned from local Marine Reservists that he can continue his research first-hand, with tours and one-on-one discussions with survivors of Pearl Harbor. As part of the send-off, the Marines of Truck Company, 25th Marine Regiment, Erie, PA, made Jared a Marine for the Day.
The event, held at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center
Garden Atrium in Erie, raised $20,000 for Make-A-Wish and raised 44,000 air miles.