Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Leticia Samuels | Antonio Barrera shakes the hand of North Carolina National Guard Sgt. Maj. Lawrence...... read more read more
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DUNN, N.C. – The North Carolina National Guard and the Make-a-Wish Foundation came together to present the Barrera family with an all-expense paid trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida and a tactical Humvee ride at the McDonald’s here, June 20, 2015.
The North Carolina National Guard and the Make-a-Wish Foundation came together to present the Barrera family with an all-expense paid trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida and a tactical Humvee ride at the McDonald’s here, June 20, 2015.
Antonio Barrera, the make-a-wish child, was born with various heart defects mainly dealing with malformation of the heart and irregular blood flow throughout the body.
Although Antonio lives with these permanent circumstances he remains in good spirits and his family was submitted to the make a wish foundation.
“He has already had three open-heart surgeries and when we get back he has to have a cardiac MRI to see if he has to have another one,” said Brandy, Antonio’s mother. “It’s hard, but I have God.”
After being submitted for the make-a-wish, Tony D’agostino, North Carolina, eastern chapter Make-a-Wish volunteer, met the Barrera family finding out that Antonio’s wish was going to Florida. He later found out that Antonio was very intrigued with the military. This inspired the coordination of the entire event.
“It makes me feel good and I love to make kids happy,” said Tony D’agostino. “I’m hoping Antonio sees all this for himself, I just hope to see him smile. He has been through some stuff medically so hopefully this will be a good feeling for him to see everything here.”
Tony has been a volunteer with the foundation for six months and wanted to give Antonio a real life military experience, so he coordinated with his brother, NCNG Chief Warrant Officer 3, Vinnie D’agostino, cyber security operations manager, coordinating a Humvee ride along in Dunn with his brother Alex.
“I like the military vehicles,” said Antonio. “I want to join the Air Force.”
After his tour around the Dunn area, Antonio indulged in cake and ice cream provided by McDonald’s and included a party with his friends and full access to the play place.
The North Carolina Eastern Chapter of Make-a-Wish was founded in 1986 whose primary mission is serving children with life-threatening medical conditions by granting them a life wish.
“It’s good to see them enjoy it, and I can’t think of any better way to spend my time,” said Vinnie D’Agostino.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2015 15:30 |
| Story ID: | 167666 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NCNG: Making wishes come true, by SFC Leticia Samuels, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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