CW4 Kelly I. Burns
FORSCOM, G-3/5/7,
Programs Branch, UAS OPS Officer
RM 5K-5409-17
O: 910-570-7443
S: 302-238-7443

• How would you describe Blum’s Landing to a friend?

– Relaxing, friendly, warm place where you can be yourself and feel like part of an extended family that will cherish the relationship that you want to build, or just provide you the getaway to rediscover who you are.

• What was your favorite part of Blum’s Landing and why?

– For me it is the outdoor table conversation, talking with Terry and Janet and understanding that the struggles couples and families face today have been there in the past and that there is hope, and faith, if one endures to never give up on yourself or each other. No amount of heart ache cannot be overcome with the proper faith and support behind them.

• How did you feel when you were there?

– It is the most peaceful environment I have ever experienced, it is nice to enjoy the serenity of nature. After having been deployed multiple times to different theaters I have a problem letting myself relax and have a calm mind. Out at Blum’s landing I can relax my mind and allow myself to be lost in the moment.

• Why is Blum’s Landing special? Why would you tell fellow servicemen about this place tucked away in Northern Michigan?

– Blum’s Landing is special to me for several reason. First and foremost Trevor was a Soldier of mine and more importantly a good friend. It has been an honor and privilege to be involved with his family for the last 15 years. My wife and I consider Terry, Janet and the Blumberg family our extended family, my son calls them Pappy and Nana. They have established a true safe haven for veterans and their families to come to where no matter what you have done, or the struggles you and your family endure Blum’s Landing is a no judgement zone. Where you can establish supportive lifelong friendship with great people that just want the chance to show the thanks on behalf of the American people. No one will regret the experience of Blum’s Landing.

Matthew Mills

• How would you describe Blum’s Landing to a friend?

 I would describe Blum’s Landing as Heaven on Earth. Terry and Jan built this beautiful home in Northern Michigan. The view overlooking the private lake is breathtaking. “Home away from Home” does not do Blum’s Landing justice because it is a stress- free experience. A family can go there and focus on the essential things in life, each other. Blum’s Landing is a place where time slowdowns. There at Blum’s Landing, a family is not distracted by outside influences, and they can enjoy spending time with each other.

• What was your favorite part of Blum’s Landing, and why?

 There so many moments that it is tough to pick just one. Terry taught and took my daughter’s fishing. My girls have been fishing before, but they have never been fishing from a boat. I enjoyed watching the excitement in their faces when they had a fish on the line.

 My daughters are close in age, and they typically argue with each other. My girls loved kayaking on the lake. Again, it was good to see them smiling and laughing with each other. Not to mention, my wife was able to take each one of them out and get some quality time in. While my wife was with one daughter, it allowed me to spend time quality time with the other daughter. These are the memories and experiences that will stay with us forever.

 Another unforgettable moment was watching my oldest daughter, learning to cook with Jan. Jan’s cooking is phenomenal, and watching her interaction with my oldest warms my heart. I should have described my daughters in the beginning so that you have a better understanding of them. I have two teenage daughters, and like most typical teenagers, cooking is not high on their list of things to do. That is why I was surprised to see my oldest daughter so involved in the kitchen with Jan. It was great to see my daughter enjoying something new and stepping out of her comfort zone.

 At night we played cards and board games with Terry and Jan. It was great getting together as a family and doing things together. Back home, we are always on the go, and we barely have time to sit down and eat with each other. Playing games as a family was another unforgettable moment. There are two many moments to select one over the other.

• How did you feel when you were there?

 Peaceful. As I already mention, we are typically always on the go. Both girls play softball, and they are on different teams. One of the girls has a practice or conditioning every day of the week. It was amazing to sit back and relax. I enjoyed living in the moment, watching the sunrise on the lake, sitting next to a campfire at night, and stargazing with my daughters. It was nice not having to think about work, who’s taking which kid to practice, and what are we doing for dinner tonight. I was able to do a “factory reset” and enjoy being with my family. It is amazing what we take for granted in life, and being there provided me a new perspective on life. 

• Why is Blum’s Landing special? Why would you tell fellow servicemen about this place tucked away in Northern Michigan?

 Terry and Jan are following a promise they made to their son Trevor. They built this place in Northern Michigan to honor him and to provide service members with a place to decompress and reconnect with there family. To the best of my knowledge, it is the only place of its kind. What makes it unique is Terry and Jan and their commitment to providing a getaway at no cost for the service member. I would want other families to experience joy and peacefulness of Blum’s Landing. We left there a stronger family, and the beautiful memories will stay with us forever.