Air Force Captain Dan Kelly was deployed to Syria for six months in 2017, leaving his five-year-old son, Brian, struggling with his absence. Brian’s mother, Barbara, noticed her son’s distress and reached out to their neighbor, Dean Cravens, for help. Although initially hesitant, Dean was moved by Brian’s desire to work in the yard, just like he had with his father, and the two started working together.
Since then, Brian and Dean have become close friends, enjoying outdoor activities and completing yard work together. Brian’s love for John Deere equipment has become well-known, and he even gifted his father a John Deere shirt to wear during their video calls. Dean never turns Brian down when he wants to work outside and finds it important to make the young boy happy.
When Dan returned from Syria, he expressed his gratitude to Dean for being a positive role model in his son’s life. Brian now follows his father around the yard, and Dean has promised him that he can come to his house anytime he needs anything. This heartwarming story highlights the significance of small acts of kindness and the impact they can have on families of those serving in the military. Dean’s friendship with Brian became a source of joy for the young boy and a reminder of the importance of community support.
