Master Sergeant Patricia Baisden, a devoted mother and grandmother, is a retired Army veteran who proudly served her country for “30 years, 6 months and 1 day.”   Recognized as a consummate “giver,” she received the Daily Points of Life Award from President George H. Bush for volunteering over 7,000 hours while on active duty in Afghanistan.   A partial list of other things she has done includes: starting and running Toys4Tots for over 6,000 children at risk; feeding over 1,000 homeless veterans; transporting veterans to and from doctors’ appointments; and, spending her own money to prevent veterans and their families from being evicted and put on the street! She did all of this despite injuries and chronic pain sustained while in the service.  Unfortunately, Master Sergeant Baisden retired from the Army with post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, she gained weight which, in turn, affected her joints and desire to leave her home.  She wrote, “All I would like to do is one day soon, physically return back to that person giving my all instead of just 15%.”  The Bettie Brand Fund awarded Master Sergeant Baisden her requested multi-year gym membership, personal workout equipment and funding for continuing education for her personal training license which, she wrote, “opens up the door of opportunity for me to be my BEST again for others needing a helping hand.”

In 2023 she wrote, "Thank you for being a blessing to me and all the mothers you have helped achieve dreams and goals. I also wanted to let you know that I received The Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden; my first granddaughter and her father, my oldest son, received the Bronze award from President Biden. I also received the Goodwill Ambassador Award from Governor Kemp, and a proclamation from Stockbridge Mayor all within the last 31 days.  All thanks to you and the supporters of  Bettie Brand Mothers' Empowerment.  ....One of the keys to my future and current journey is thanks to you, your mother, and Bettie Brand Mothers' Empowerment for helping [me]."

Master Sergeant Baisden's own helping hand continues to "pay it forward" in extraordinary measure!

 *Nominated by nonprofit partners Silver Lining Villages and  American Legion Post 9-1-1