Wright-Patt Exchange recognizes boy who honored soldier

  • Published
  • By 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Exchange store manager at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base traveled to Maumee, Ohio, March 20 to present gifts from the Exchange to a boy who believes in "paying it forward."

Christy Beenenga drove two and one-half hours north to visit Myles Eckert at his favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel. There, Beenenga delivered a toy Exchange rig (truck), gift cards for Eckert and his family, and an Xbox One console set with one game. The visit took place six days before Eckert's ninth birthday on March 26.

Eckert gained national media exposure after discovering a $20 bill in a Cracker Barrel parking in February. After initially planning to use the money for a new game, Eckert saw a person in a military uniform having lunch inside the Cracker Barrel.

"He was a soldier, and soldiers remind me of my dad" Eckert explained.

And so, with his father in mind, Eckert wrapped the $20 in a note that read, "Dear Soldier - my dad was a soldier. He's in heaven now. I found this $20 in the parking lot when we got here. We like to pay it forward in my family. It's your luck day! Thank you for your service. Myles Eckert, a gold star kid."

The soldier having lunch was Lt. Col. Frank Dailey, from the Ohio Air National Guard base in nearby Toledo, Ohio. He considers Eckert's act of kindness as an honor.

The single parent who continues to instill those values in her children is Tiffany Eckert. Almost nine years ago she lost her best friend, husband and father of her two eldest children (Myles and Marley). Army Sgt Andy Eckert was killed in Iraq five weeks after Myles was born.

"During our time together, Tiffany shared with me that she will forever keep a promise she made to her husband should something happen during his deployment," Beenenga said. "That is to keep his memory and presence alive in their everyday life. As a single mother of now three children under the age of 10, she has instilled in them values and priorities that are inspiring to people of all ages.

"Tiffany kept saying to me, 'We're just normal people! This is still so surreal for us and a bit overwhelming'" Beenenga continued. "It was heart-warming and inspiring to spend the evening with them."