January 2002 is when I met Jerome Hughs. He was a First Class Petty Officer in the Navy at that time. I was a seaman recruit. At the raw age of 18 and I didn't have a clue on what I was doing. He was my first mentor. He "showed me the ropes". He taught me a lot about the navy and how to lead. I can say without reservation no single person had a bigger impact on my career.

Back then, I had a tendency to get into trouble, a lot of trouble. I wasn't conforming to navy standards. Jerome used to tell me things that I've heard from my own father my whole life. Things like the importance of family. Being a strong man and provider was extremely important. He used to tell me don't do anything to mess up my family. Meaning if I get into trouble in the navy and get kicked out it would put unnecessary strain on my family. Family is very important to him.

Jerome and his wife Danielle were having another child and I remember talking to him about having his own basketball team because he had such a large family. We laughed and he said that is what him and Danielle wanted, a big family. That they would be known as "The Hughs" family. How school teachers would know all their kids and look forward to having another Hughs in class. He undoubtedly loves his family. On more than one occasion he took in and provided for other members of his family. He is a very caring and giving man.

In October 2006 I was going through very significant marital problems. We had just finished a deployment and we were arriving a couple weeks ahead of schedule in the early hours of the morning. Jerome didn't go home and reunite with his family. Instead he accompanied me to my home to be there for me. Imagine that for just a minute. He was away from his family for months on a deployment. Returning from the deployment he didn't go reunite with his family. Instead of being with his wife and children he made sure I was going to be ok. He went with me to my home to be a source of support for me. Danielle being the woman she is was in complete support. That's the unselfish love the showed me.

That is how loving this family is.

So when I learned that he was convicted for the death of his niece I was completed dumbfounded and in disbelief. It is simply not possible. Jerome would never harm a child. Never. Take the time and learn his story and you too will know that he was wrongfully convicted. Danielle, his wife, is still working with their attorney to get Jerome home.

The cost of daily life, supporting the family has depleted their savings and is forcing more hardship on an already torn family. Their home goes up to public auction June 7, 2016. Let's find a way to help them. Let's keep this from happening.

All the money raised will be for the direct benefit of this family. They need our help. Donate what you can, and give cheerfully. Every little bit helps.

https://www.facebook.com/For-Jerome-1724343901118967/?fref=ts