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For so many people, a trip to Texas to watch their child graduate from basic training seems so simple.

But for some, the trip is a dream that could never happen.

That dream is becoming reality for one Tri-State mother.

Rhonda Rouse found her extended military family on her son's Basic Training Facebook page ... 331 Flight 137.

Her son graduates basic training on February 3rd, 2012 from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

Like most proud mothers she wants to be there for the ceremony to tap her son out.

Rhonda says, "They have a tapping out. Which means that once the ceremony is over the Airmen can't leave the field until someone comes out and either taps them on the shoulder or hugs them. If you don't have family then you have to stand there and wait."

But because of financial constraints, the trip was only a dream.

"And there was just no way that I could afford the plane ticket and hotel and all of that to make this trip. And so I was really bummed. And so of course I got on our group page and I posted I am not going to be able to make it because I just can't afford it. Could some of the mom's just give my son a hug for me and let him know that I love him?", Rhonda explains.

But for the members of this social circle that wasn't good enough. They were determined to get her to Texas for her son's graduation.

"And in a matter of minutes, people started posting you shouldn't miss this. Come on, we are a wolf pack family, we can get her down here. So I went ahead and posted my address and for two days I was getting checks in the mail. The check will be in the mail this week. It is not much but we want to help."

This story proves that every little bit does help and now Rhonda has enough money to not only attend the graduation, but with what is left over she has plans to pay it forward in a big way.

Rhonda has plans to start a fund called "Operation Family Presence."

It will assist families who can't make it to their son or daughters military graduation, with hopes that it can grow.

Rhonda says, "If I can get this charity started, and being able to help in other aspects of the military family life. To know you know that you not only have your family but you also have the military family right there with you".

Money collected will go to help all military and their families.

If you are interested in helping with Operation Family Presence please contact Rhonda Rouse at 309-653-2370 or email rhonirouse@winco.net.