ST. LOUIS — The Belles sisters, Adrianna and Miranda, grew up on multiple military bases including a stint in Turkey for two years.
When the family was stateside, they often went long periods of time without their father, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Stephen Belles.
“He missed Christmas, he missed communions and stuff like that,” said Adrianna Belles.
Adrianna and Miranda are now both in their 20’s and are realizing the magnitude of their dad’s 24 years of service in the military.
“They're doing something so great and so selfless and I don't think I got that until I grew up.”
Their father’s service is being honored through Folds of Honor.
The military charity gave both young women college scholarships.
Adrianna just graduated and works with preschoolers living on Whiteman Air Force Base near Sedalia.
Miranda is going into her junior year at the University of Missouri. She is in the Air Force ROTC program, anxious to follow in her father’s footsteps.
“I'm kind of learning leadership, I'm learning integrity, I’m learning how to make those core values; service before self and excellence in all we do,” Miranda said.
The lighter financial burden has been a relief as the two sisters focus on their future.
“I think that Folds of Honor has given us so many opportunities for so much more. And we truly are grateful,” said Adrianna.
Folds of Honor gives scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or wounded service members.
If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can round up at the register at any Schnucks store.