FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) Holiday joy could be seen and heard on Fort Bragg Friday morning. Trees for Troops donated Christmas trees to soldiers and their families ahead of the holiday at Smith Lake Park.
While it is a moment filled with joy, this time of year is a painful reminder of loved ones lost for many. Being a Gold Star family, holidays are hard. And so, anything we can get to help make it easier is wonderful, said Gold Star wife Lynn Paljarvi.
Sergeant Juha Paljarvi started his army career as a helicopter technician. The family moved to Fort Bragg in 2017 so he could continue his career as a Special Forces soldier. In October of that year, the family lost their soldier to suicide.