Green Country Veteran Granted Dream Vacation

A Navy Veteran, terminally ill with colon cancer, was surprised by the Soldier's Wish organization Saturday who granted him and his family a dream vacation.

Organizers of the Soldier's Wish event on Saturday said the details of this vacation have not yet been worked out, but what they do know is that they are excited to make his wish come true.

Matthew Stephens was cheered on by family and friends as he got his wish granted by the organization. 

Stephenson served in the Navy for 8 years and then went to the Army Reserve for 3 years. 

After he got out of the service, organizers said he began to suffer from PTSD and he was given a terminal diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. 

Stephens said he and his wife Jenn have been married for about 6 years and together they have 6 children. 

He said he is hoping this vacation takes their mind off all the treatments and doctor visits.

"It caught me completely by surprise. I'm really looking forward to it though to get some time away to spend with just our family," Stephens said. 

"I definitely would like to thank Soldier's Wish for this opportunity. It's incredible it came together so fast," said Stephens wife Jenn. 

The Soldiers Wish Organization supports military active duty personnel, veterans, and their families. 

They anticipate on raising up to $20,000 to donate to other veterans in need.