Thanks to Yanks: a Way to Remember

People say they respect the military, and those who serve the country in war. But for many Americans, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is a distant one. Not so for Michael Shain.

The Milford resident and community banker, who handles mortgages for Charles River Bank, created , a charitable organization that recognizes the sacrifice of military families. Shain was inspired by the deployments that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

"There are a lot of people who have been touched by war," Shain said. "Their lives are put on hold. Financially, they may be struggling. They live their lives on pins and needles."

The move to create Thanks to Yanks came after some soul-searching.

"What can I do, as an average citizen, to show that I care, to show that my wife cares?" Shain said.

Thanks to Yanks will host a dinner on Sept. 11 for military families, and for people affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 300 are expected. The event is being held at the Medway V.F.W.

"It's my random act of kindness, to say 'Thank You' for the military families," Shain said. "It's important they not be forgotten."