by Monica Dao

Marine Corporal Barton R. Humlhanz died August 26, 2004, of injuries suffered in hostile action in the Babil province of Iraq when he made the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 23. He earned a Purple Heart and a Good Conduct Medal, but left behind his mother, stepfather, and sister.

When Barton’s parents, Don and Michele Carey, of Oldsmar, Florida, reached out for help with home repairs, Lyette Reback and the Believe With Me team didn’t hesitate to respond. Through one of Believe With Me’s programs, The House That Love Built, Lyette gathered students from middle schools, high schools, and universities, along with the support of local businesses, and coordinated more than $30,000 in repairs and renovations to both the interior and exterior of the Carey’s home—a heartfelt thank-you to a family who has given so much.

From an early age, Lyette Reback, the daughter of a Marine Corps veteran, was filled with a deep sense of American pride and an enduring respect for those who serve. After graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1996, Lyette devoted herself to raising her family while serving on the boards of several nonprofits. Yet, her heart yearned to do more—something deeply personal to honor her father’s legacy and the sacrifices of countless others.

A Mission of Hope and Remembrance
Believe With Me, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing hope and support to America’s Gold Star families—those who have lost an immediate family member in active military service. Whether through combat, training, service-connected illness, or other tragedies, these families bear the weight of sacrifice for our nation.

Through a variety of programs, Believe With Me ensures that these families are never forgotten. Among their most cherished initiatives is the Gold Star Christmas Project, which brings joy and comfort during the holiday season. Thousands of Santa sacks, brimming with carefully chosen gifts, are delivered to the children of fallen heroes. This act of kindness not only lightens the burden of the holidays but also serves as a poignant reminder that their loved ones’ sacrifices are honored year-round.

Amy Dozier, a Gold Star wife, reflects on the impact of this program: “I’ll never forget the first package my daughter received from Believe With Me at Christmas. She untied a red silk bow from a burlap sack to find a small American flag and a heartfelt note of hope. It was a reminder that Jon’s memory is never forgotten. Christmas has always been bittersweet for us but Believe With Me has turned it into a season of gratitude and remembrance.”

Programs That Transform Lives
Beyond the holidays, Believe With Me offers a suite of programs designed to uplift and support Gold Star families:
The House That Love Built: Assisting parents of fallen service-members with home purchasing, renovations, or assistance with foreclosure avoidance.
Gold Star Mother’s Day: A heartfelt celebration honoring mothers who have lost children in service, affirming their sacrifices are never forgotten.
The American Sweetheart Program: Sending Valentine’s Day gifts to widows of fallen soldiers, reminding them they are cherished and remembered.

To date, Believe With Me has served over 11,000 Gold Star children, delivering more than 50,000 Christmas presents and logging 35,000 volunteer hours. With over $2.5 million in support provided, the organization continues to be a beacon of hope for these families.

A Community of Gratitude
Believe With Me is proudly 100% patriot-funded, with local businesses and community partners playing a vital role in their mission. These partnerships not only honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes but also provide companies with meaningful opportunities to align their brands with a cause that resonates deeply with Americans.

Lyette’s vision includes a strong Student Ambassador program aimed at “Teaching the next generation to live a life worthy of the sacrifices made from our fallen service members and their families.” From students actively involved in fundraising projects to managing shopping for gold star children – a healthy sense of patriotism and service is imbued in every project for any young person involved. Students are a vibrant part of who we serve and serve alongside.

Join the Mission
This winter, Believe With Me will host its core annual fundraising events:
The Gold Star Gala Tampa on November 14th
The Gold Star Gala Palm Beach on December 13th
These galas offer a chance to make a lasting impact on Gold Star families while honoring the sacrifices of their heroes.

From online donations and toy drives to corporate sponsorships, there are countless ways to support Believe With Me. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on in the hearts of a grateful nation.

Believe With Me