Alan and Tami have always been very supportive of President Bush, the war effort, and of course our troops who are putting themselves in harms way. Shortly after Andrew was killed Al and Tami were introduced to John and Debbie Ellsworth who had also lost their son back on November 13, 2004. John and Debbie were both involved as the State leadership for an organization called Michigan Families United.

Alan and Tami joined Families United in the summer of 2007. In September of 2007 Alan traveled to Washington DC with Families United where they were able to meet with their Congressman and Senators to convince them to stay in Iraq until the job is finished. They also were there during an anti-war demonstration to show their support for the Troops. One morning they were invited to have breakfast on the South lawn of the White House with President Bush, where they got to spend some one on one time with the President and share their thoughts, and pose for a picture with him too.

John Ellsworth has been very active on a National level with Families United, and now serves as the National Co-Chairman and National Events Coordinator. On March 8, 2008 Mike Kilpela and Alan Nelson were named the new Chairman and Co-Chairman for the State of Michigan Families United. Johns wife Debbie Ellsworth will be the Treasurer and Diane Huhn of Portland will now be the new State Secretary.

Families United was founded in the summer of 2005. Together we have a stronger voice that will be heard in Support of our Troops and Their Mission. Our goal is to Unite for a Strong America! Families United is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 Organization. They are a grassroots coalition of Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, Veterans and Patriotic Americans who share a deep appreciation for our Men and Women in uniform and support them in their efforts to make America safer by allowing them to complete their mission.

Collectively, we will ensure that the sacrifices our courageous warriors have made are not in vain, and that the heroic Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have been charged with such a vital mission will be given the support they need to complete their mission.

Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission has four basic principles...

1.) We believe that the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001.
2.) Our Troops want to finish the job.
3.) Democracy abroad is necessary for our security at home.
4.) We will not be safe until the terrorists are defeated.

Click here to learn more about Families United

Below are some pictures from the trip to Washington.