Ace of Spades HQ

May 30, 2012

Hope For The Future
— DrewM

The summer dog days of news are here so let's go with some feel good stuff and bit of break from the daily cesspool that is politics.

A 9 year old boy gets his hands on a free trip to 9 year old paradise, Disney World, and then gave it away.

Brendan Haas created the "Soldier for a Soldier" Facebook page in February. Inspired by the story of the guy who, through a series of trades, turned a paper clip into a house, Haas started with a toy soldier and eventually traded up to $900 worth of Disney gift certificates, airfare and hotel credits.
On Memorial Day, Haas gave the trip to the family of U.S. Army Lt. Timothy Steele, a 25-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan last year. According to NBC's WHDH-TV affiliate, Haas pulled the name of Liberty Hope Steele, the fallen soldier's now 2-year-old daughter, out of a hat, and surprised the Steele family at their Duxbury, Mass., home.

I'm thinking as soon as word of this gets to the Disney folks, young Mr. Haas will be going to Disney as well.

Posted by: DrewM at 08:06 AM | Comments (67)
Post contains 192 words, total size 1 kb.

1 First? Aw yeah!

Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 30, 2012 08:09 AM (nUY/O)

2 wow.

got dusty in here....

Posted by: not a fan at May 30, 2012 08:09 AM (gCa4h)

3 Hopefully a lifetime pass to Disney.

Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 30, 2012 08:10 AM (nUY/O)

4 Nice story. There's hope yet!

Posted by: Dax at May 30, 2012 08:11 AM (Z+7Jg)

5 As a 53 year old man, I am offended that you would ambush my tear ducts like this.

Posted by: Bill R. at May 30, 2012 08:12 AM (QnRSM)

6 What a wonderful story.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 30, 2012 08:12 AM (UOM48)

7 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable tyrant.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at May 30, 2012 08:13 AM (8y9MW)

8 Amen Dax, no matter how bad it gets, we're still the last best hope. Stories like this just remind me not to lose hope. ABO

Posted by: BIG ROB at May 30, 2012 08:13 AM (MuXag)

9 Blessings on young Mr. Haas.

Kids get it. It is too bad that growing up ruins so many of them, especially the truly selfish ones who want to lay around all day playing video games on Uncle Sugar's nickel.

Posted by: Will Not Assimilate For Food at May 30, 2012 08:13 AM (kXoT0)

10 Dang allergies anyway.

It's nice to know there are still people who think of others in this world.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at May 30, 2012 08:13 AM (8y9MW)

11 That's just plain awesome. Good on Brendan.

Posted by: joncelli, heartless Con and all around unpleasant guy at May 30, 2012 08:14 AM (RD7QR)

12 He must have good parents.

Posted by: Y-not despises the SCOAMF at May 30, 2012 08:14 AM (5H6zj)

Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at May 30, 2012 08:14 AM (4/NTV)

14 I can see old Walt helping the kid out. I cannot see the current management doing it without fucking it up with lots of promotional shit.

Posted by: Jimbo at May 30, 2012 08:15 AM (O3R/2)

Kewl kid, raised properly. But don't count on the skinflints who run Disney to give him anything more than a one-day pass to the parking lot, if that.

They are, however, free to disappoint me.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at May 30, 2012 08:15 AM (d0Tfm)

16 Disney did offer everyone a free pass for their birthday.

There is no way that I want to go to DisneyWorld in July.

Posted by: Jimbo at May 30, 2012 08:16 AM (O3R/2)

9 -

I'll have you know my kids are laying around the house playing video games on MY nickel.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 30, 2012 08:17 AM (TOk1P)

18 wildfire around Disney World?

Posted by: Bunny Entitlement at May 30, 2012 08:17 AM (lpWVn)

19 Kewl kid, raised properly. But don't count on the skinflints who run Disney to give him anything more than a one-day pass to the parking lot, if that. Do you know how much it costs to park at disney?

Posted by: Elizabethe from elsewhere at May 30, 2012 08:17 AM (W0/Az)

20 Now this story would be worth a "The Time I" on Disney channel, instead of the stupid tripe they usually do like "The time I made my mom breakfast" or "the time I planted a garden" or "the time I spent the night with my grandparents."

Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at May 30, 2012 08:18 AM (RZ8pf)

21 I'm always of two minds about rewarding this kind of thing.

Not because it isn't worthy of reward, but because I think that, to some extent, cheapens the original gift. In the worst cases, it begets a sense of entitlement to the giver- that is, they start giving stuff to get something in return, which was obviously not the point of this most gracious gift.

Obviously I think he's deserving of a reward, I'm just never sure that said reward is worth the potential damage.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at May 30, 2012 08:18 AM (8y9MW)

22 AllenG,

Your instinct on this is correct. Let the kid enjoy his love. Rewarding him steals from him.

Posted by: Jimbo at May 30, 2012 08:20 AM (O3R/2)

23 @15: Actually, Disney internally is in something of a tailspin the last 3-5 years because their demographic has skewed dramatically female and they're desperate for anything that will get boys interested in their brand again. So I think they will actually do whatever this kid wants.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 30, 2012 08:20 AM (tqwMN)

24 Hopefully a lifetime pass to Disney. Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 30, 2012 12:10 PM

Which he would probably give away to another member of the military. He seems that nice.

Of course Bark Obama would want to take it away and give it to some member of the Truly Deserving Class....

Posted by: MrScribbler at May 30, 2012 08:20 AM (MQc8e)

Good boy.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 30, 2012 08:21 AM (CmheR)

26 21 I'm always of two minds about rewarding this kind of thing. Not because it isn't worthy of reward, but because I think that, to some extent, cheapens the original gift. --- I think the organization that should reward him (acknowledge him) is the Army and/or the deceased soldier's old unit. Instead of sending Brendan to Disney, why not have him spend a day with the heroes he was honoring?

Posted by: Y-not despises the SCOAMF at May 30, 2012 08:21 AM (5H6zj)

27 What? No face eating zombies or lez porn?

Posted by: WalrusRex at May 30, 2012 08:21 AM (jUZRg)

28 Of course Bark Obama would want to take it away and give it to some member of the Truly Deserving Class.... --------- Thanks for the tip!

Posted by: IRS at May 30, 2012 08:22 AM (5H6zj)

29 I actually kind of think it would be better if Disney didn't give the kid anything. The true gift of giving is doing it without expectations of something in return.

Posted by: polynikes at May 30, 2012 08:22 AM (bPvWY)

30 Ian S. that explains why it is wall to wall boy show on Disney XD now. Of course the quality of said boy shows is pretty low, but I have hope for Tron Uprising. What my son wants to know is why the boys have to have a separate channel for their shows.

Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at May 30, 2012 08:23 AM (RZ8pf)

31 I would much rather get a chance to ride in a tank than see a bunch of goofy people in costumes.

Posted by: Y-not , crabby conservative at May 30, 2012 08:23 AM (5H6zj)

32 And if Disney does step up and give the kid a free trip, who's to say he won't go back to the hat and pull another name?

Posted by: Blanco Basura at May 30, 2012 08:23 AM (YEelc)

33 Just a minute, my allergies are messing with my eyes _(damn-it)

Posted by: joe in houston at May 30, 2012 08:23 AM (MnSla)

34 Posted by: polynikes at May 30, 2012 12:22 PM (bPvWY)

Polynikes and I agreed on something.
...
...
...
Did anyone else just hear a trumpet?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at May 30, 2012 08:23 AM (8y9MW)

35 @34 bites tongue

Posted by: Y-not , crabby conservative at May 30, 2012 08:24 AM (5H6zj)

36 Did anyone else just hear a trumpet?

Sorry, I had beans last night.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at May 30, 2012 08:25 AM (YEelc)

37 That's actually a two-fer in the "Hope" column. Duxbury is AKA "Luxebury"; upper crust old money town on the South Shore. While we know that servicemen (and women) come from all walks of life, it's nice to see it validated; though sorry that it ever ends in tragedy.

Posted by: NewEnglandDevil at May 30, 2012 08:26 AM (73P68)

So I think they will actually do whatever this kid wants.

If they do something like that, then good. But living down here and seeing their little fifedom in action (with their own police force and fire department, and the fact that they don't want their "guests" to leave their property, and seeing how they literally sucked the life out of downtown O'town), I rather doubt it.

Me, cynical? Nah...

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at May 30, 2012 08:26 AM (d0Tfm)

39 (with their own police force and fire department, and the fact that they don't want their "guests" to leave their property, and seeing how they literally sucked the life out of downtown O'town)

Sounds like what Six Flags really wishes it had the clout to do.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at May 30, 2012 08:27 AM (8y9MW)

40 I only hear saxophones.

Posted by: polynikes at May 30, 2012 08:28 AM (bPvWY)

41 Good news on the day? Is that allowed?

Cool. Very, very cool.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 30, 2012 08:29 AM (GBXon)

42 Y-not bite me.

Posted by: polynikes at May 30, 2012 08:31 AM (bPvWY)

43 This post does not get my rage on. Returning to the previous thread.

Posted by: toby928© Person of Pallor at May 30, 2012 08:31 AM (NG097)

Sounds like what Six Flags really wishes it had the clout to do.

Orange County saw a big opportunity for a major infusion of tax revenue and gave Disney just about everything they wanted in the early '70's. At the time, this was a sleepy Florida town that grew oranges (go figure) and had Martin-Marietta Corp as its largest employer.

I won't go on about basing the entire local economy on tourism, which is usually the first thing a struggling family cuts from their budget for a shorter, less costly trip somewhere else. Any economic model that relies on disposable income has greater fluctuations than one based on, say, manufacturing. But that's just me.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at May 30, 2012 08:35 AM (d0Tfm)

45 @38: I lived in Orlando for 17 years, and I think you understate how much the decline of downtown has been suicide. Lots of trendy SWPL and LGBT places, terrible parking, and an ample supply of illegals to pick your pocket put me off of the whole thing.

Posted by: Ian S. at May 30, 2012 08:39 AM (tqwMN)

46 I'll have you know...that I...upon hearing of this lovely gesture of fairness...from the rich kid with $900 dollars to the poor kid with the deceased soldier that I'd recently command..ed...have ordered My Secretary of the Interior to begin fining the capitalist Disney company,...$38 for every day that the newly poor kid who had $900 dollars, but voluntarily chose to redistribute it...unlike those greedy, hostile toned, unAmerican Tea Party wingnuts...is not allowed free entry into Disney parks, hotels, and themed resorts. I have done this because I know it is the right thing to do. I will consider further action, on behalf of children all across the country...as I...await Disney's response. But let I be clear; Make no mistake Disney. I am the President of ALL Disney fans in America, not just those who can afford to pay the entry fee. As Ronald Reagan so eloquently said: "Mr. Disney: Tear down that wall!"

Posted by: Preezie of the U Sleezy at May 30, 2012 08:40 AM (NBj0d)

47 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at May 30, 2012 08:41 AM (7W3wI)

48 We morons (Us morons?) should do that for a trip to a Las Vegas back alley, a bottle or 2 of Val-U-Rite, and 100 $1 bills for a strip club. AOSHQ Paradise.

In all seriousness, this story sure does beat face eating...

Posted by: dfbaskwill at May 30, 2012 08:46 AM (71LDo)

49 That'll do, boy.

Posted by: Farmer Hoggat at May 30, 2012 08:46 AM (ay6+/)

50 Following AllenG's line of thinking, maybe a tank or helicopter ride from the unit of the fallen soldier. Something that can't be bought any day like a Disney ticket. Great kid. When I was 9, life was all about legos and bikes.

Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at May 30, 2012 08:51 AM (UU0OF)

51 Hope the disney folks see this, he shouldn't just go to Disney world he should be an honored guest, like riding in the parade!

and meeting the donald!

Posted by: minnie at May 30, 2012 08:55 AM (oZfic)

52 Instead of sending Brendan to Disney, why not have him spend a day with the heroes he was honoring?>>

I know that as a boy that age I would gladly trade a ride through it's a small world for riding in a tank and firing the Ma deuce.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 30, 2012 09:02 AM (wrS2o)

53 OT: the Taiwan animation of preznit Choom has got teh funny in it

Posted by: Toaster at May 30, 2012 09:07 AM (sJKFk)

54 OT: the Taiwan animation of preznit Choom has got teh funny in it. See link in sidebar

Posted by: Toaster at May 30, 2012 09:08 AM (sJKFk)

Let's hope Disney does the right thing and gives the kid a first-class vacation.

And then we'll hope the government doesn't ding the kid for taxes of the "gift".

Posted by: Jaws at May 30, 2012 09:12 AM (4I3Uo)

56 Brendan Haas is the exact opposite of Brett Kimberlin.

Posted by: Dustin at May 30, 2012 09:12 AM (z36s0)

"Of course Bark Obama would want to take it away and give it to some member of the Truly Deserving Class...."

Yeah, doesn't Trayvon have some cousin or other who'd enjoy the trip? I mean...who needs to be helped through his grief?

Posted by: Dr. Mabuse at May 30, 2012 09:13 AM (KOHFD)

58 I just want to go on the record as saying that Liberty Hope Steele is quite possibly the most epic name ever.

Posted by: Phelps at May 30, 2012 09:15 AM (tGZPy)

Kids are amazing.

My daughter just spent her 15th birthday doing Relay For Life, an all-day fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Our middle schools do a huge Relay every year and it is the second largest one in the country, raising over $2.5 million over the last 10 years. All the "cool kids" in the schools participate. One of my daughter's friends died of brain cancer this year. In sixth grade, she organized a bunch of activities and fundraisers for the family after the girl was diagnosed. At the end of Relay there were many kids and parents crying, remembering their friend.

Posted by: rockmom at May 30, 2012 09:27 AM (qE3AR)

60 Just when you think we've devolved into a nation of face eating zombies....

Posted by: California Red at May 30, 2012 09:40 AM (xC7pk)

61 That is a good kid.

Posted by: Barry Obama at May 30, 2012 09:53 AM (bAGA/)

62 Dammit, got something in my eye.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 30, 2012 10:02 AM (DrWcr)

63 @59 Kids are amazing.

No kidding, and I've got one of them. The RightWingDaughter (age 11) just did the Angel Ride for the Hole in The Wall Gang Camp. She rode 23 miles over hilly terrain in Eastern Connecticut this Sunday for the Camp's Hospital Outreach Program. It sends camp staff out to the over 20 hospitals between Boston and New York City so that kids with life-threatening illnesses who are hospital-bound can the camp "come to them".

She was the youngest rider there. It was part of a 2-day ride that included 86 miles the first day and 50 the second - the kids did the last 23. I had my leg seize up at mile 60 on day one, but after an hour with a massage therapist, I managed to pull it together and ride the first 27 of the second day to get to her starting point (hell - my little girl was depending on me).

She did it in honor of her brother, who passed from cancer almost 3 years ago. She'd never gone longer than 11 miles in training, so I had doubts as to whether or not she would make it (there are too many fracking hills in eastern CT). But she is one tough kid. I used to call her the Future Ruler of the World, but she said, "No Dad. That's Future Ruler of the Universe. Stopping at Ruler of the World would be like eating only one pistachio".

She's one amazing kid, and I'm damned proud of her. I rode the last 50 yards blind with tears in my eyes. Some of the Rons and Ronettes contributed to the ride - thanks to all of you. The ride should raise over $600,000 for the program.

Posted by: RightWingProf at May 30, 2012 10:04 AM (IC6Er)

64 As a God fearing Masshole, who is often bitter at the wholly deserved abuse my fair state gets from the rest of the conservative world, I have to say this makes me proud to share a state with that fine young lad.

Posted by: Lookslikemykid at May 30, 2012 10:05 AM (JZ1ih)

65 Posted by: NewEnglandDevil at May 30, 2012 12:26 PM (73P6 First of all, it's Deluxebury - get your pejoratives straight if you're going to fling them. Its my hometown, thank you, even to this day one of the few right leaning places in Massachusetts. And I can think of many residents that I knew and grew up with that served our country including the son of my favorite English teacher who was killed in Vietnam. Geez...

Posted by: Turfmann at May 30, 2012 11:03 AM (YXiW6)

66 Aw gee....this is just so bittersweet.

Posted by: torabora at May 30, 2012 12:20 PM (gjnYw)

67 I work with Tim's father, Jack (Liberty Hope's Grandfather). Good people. This is outstanding.

And what more can you say about Tim Steele than the naming of his daughter "Liberty Hope".

Come on. That's wicked awesome.

Posted by: deadrody at May 30, 2012 03:30 PM (2NNWw)

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