Help through the storm: AMVETS assist Clinton family after loss of father, addition of children

July 15--CLINTON -- In its time of need, a Clinton family is receiving a generous donation from Clinton AMVETS Post 28.

It was one year ago when Krista Fradette's husband, Bob, took his own life in the family's home after struggling with post-war, post-traumatic stress disorder. Krista was left to raise the couple's two children as a single mother. But this April, Krista's load would get even heavier.

It was then that she was contacted by Kentucky human services officials notifying her that she would be taking custody of her niece and nephew. Now taking care of four young children mostly on her own but with the help of friends and family, Krista and the Fradette family are receiving a donation of more than $3,000 from the AMVETS post.

Krista was surprised by the announcement, but certainly not surprised by the support she's received from area residents.

"The community support, the school support, has all been so great," Fradette said. "To me, getting chosen to receive the donation was completely out of the blue, but all the support isn't out of the blue. The community has been amazing."

AMVETS Post Commander Cindy Hufford said post members are always willing to help out an individual or family in need, with the Fradette family being a perfect example.

The scope of the assistance, however, is slightly larger this time around.

"We've got a great group here that always tries to give help out a veteran or a family who might be struggling," Hufford said. "But this time, we wanted to do something a little bit bigger. We wanted to branch out with this one, and I think we were able to do that."

Krista plans to use the money for things such as the children's school supplies for the upcoming year, as well as re-modeling the bathroom where her husband died. In the fall, she'll become a full-time student at Clinton Community College, where her husband received his education as well.

Add CCC to the list of community members that has supported the family during the tumultuous past year.

"Everyone has just been so understanding of the whole situation," Fradette said. "It's been so awesome. I can't even really describe it."

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