FISHERS, Ind. -- A military widow has turned her tragedy into something bigger by using the proceeds from her boutique to help struggling military families.
Autumn Letendre's husband Captain Brian Letendre was killed during a combat operation in Iraq in 2006.
She opened Abby Adams at the Fall Creek Shoppes in the Geist area on July 4, 2011.
All proceeds from the boutique go to Autumn's non-profit The Golden Star USA Foundation to help military families through difficult times.
“You feel like Oprah,” said Autumn. “It’s like my favorite things, except I’m not giving them a product in the sense that she does. It’s a true joy. “
Afghanistan war veteran Chris Zeis, 45, is currently in a rehab facility in New York because of the efforts of Letendre’s foundation.
“Without her, I wouldn’t be here,” said Zeis. “If I weren't here I would probably have either died from alcohol poisoning or done something stupid that had me incarcerated or killed.”
Along with a dose of patriotism, the shop is full of American made products.
“I truly believe that healing comes when you can help others and it’s healed me,” said Autumn.
