Pay It Forward during Military Appreciation Month

WASHINGTON - FOX 5 and Easterns Automotive Group teamed up to help Pay It Forward during Military Appreciation Month.

The Good Day DC crew and Easterns Automotive Group went to the 6th Street entrance to the Washington Navy Yard to hand out gift cards and thank you notes as a token of our appreciation to veterans for their selfless acts.

Retired Marine Sgt. Matt Wilkes joined us to help Pay It Forward to other veterans. Wilkes served three tours and recently graduated from George Mason University. Wilkes talked to FOX 5 about the difficulties soldiers face while being away from their families as they serve our country.

"My wife was very supportive. She did a great job with our three children during the time I was on my three deployments and during the work-ups and all the extras I had to do prior to those deployments," Wilkes explained. "You miss being there for your children as far as raising them and being the father that they need you to be so my wife had to fulfill that role for me and through her strong will and effort we're still maintaining together and the kids are doing great."

If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them here. In your email, be sure to include who they are and why they deserve to be recognized.