About us
About our cause
We are a team of change-makers who believe that every helping hand can assist a veteran and create a better future for them.
It’s hard to know where to start any story, but this one starts with Ben. Ben grew up in East Idaho and he soaked up what the area had to offer. Hunting, fishing, motors and guns, he really didn’t need anything else! Ben loved his country at a young age and after he earned his Eagle Scout award, he graduated early and joined the Army National Guard where he served as a Specialist with his brothers and friends with the 116th infantry, Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded several letters of Commendation and Achievement.
Ben genuinely loved and cared for anyone he came in contact with. He thought of friends as family, and he made sure you knew it. He loved with all of his heart, and was compassionate beyond words. He was smart, artistic, cheerful and funny. He was the kind of guy to help a stranger change a tire, or pay for the groceries of someone in need. Whether Ben had it or not, he would always give it. A listening ear, to hard labor, Ben was always helping others.
Ben loved 3 things most in the world, guns, motors but most of all his children, a daughter Charlie and son Raye. His children meant the world to him and it showed through the constant teaching and friendship he shared with them. He was a hands on dad ALL the way, and he wanted them to experience everything he and the world could offer. The bond he shared with his children was truly special beyond words.
Ben’s true talents showed best when working with his hands. He worked as a mechanic, pattern maker, machinist, gun smith, carpenter and much more. He lived for music, fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with his family and friends. Ben was a teacher and a friend. He could be found on his hands and knees playing trucks, Barbies or baiting a fishing hook. His family and friends being the center of his world.
After a long struggle with PTSD, anxiety and the weight of the world, Ben fought his final battle January 18th 2018, but this time he lost. The hole he left in the hearts of his loved ones is monumental. When a force of nature as strong as the one residing in him chooses to leave, there’s really nothing one can do to prepare for the aftershock. Where so much love is given, just as much pain has to be felt. Ben was always the brightest one in a room, it’s hard to understand the inner battles he fought, because to the outside world, he could not have been happier.
Now it’s our turn to bare a portion of his heartache. Coming Home Incorporated – a non-profit organization was created by Ben’s family in the hope that the battles our brothers and sisters fight after “coming home” can be fought with other comrades and members of the community standing behind them, ready to fight for THEM. This is 100% volunteer operated and donations received are used to support our local veterans physically, mentally, and socially. We offer free PTSD counseling to veterans, cleaning, yard work, projects, monthly events and anything we can do to show our veterans we care and are thankful for the hard work they STILL put in for us. The battles continue long after coming home. We cannot save those that we have already lost, but we can make a difference in the lives of their families and those living in our community.
Our goal is to connect veterans and community through service and love, in hopes to heal and unite. May we serve others as a way to heal ourselves. We want our veterans to build relationships with other veterans and the community through teaching workshops, charity work, socializing and events. Meeting the right people at the right time can make all the difference. These brave men and women have put their lives and their stability on the line to keep us safe and to protect us. Only those that have served understand the sacrifice of serving. We want to create an opportunity for veterans to connect with those that truly understand the cost of freedom in the communities they come home to. We want them to feel supported not only by the community, but also by each other. Through service and love, deep connections and lifelong friendships can form and have a lasting impact on those we help but also ourselves in return.
Who we are
Providing love and support for our local veterans, we don’t want them to just come back to the place they lived, but we want them to come home. Veterans should feel safe, supported and feel gratitude and appreciation from the community. They served, we need to support. This foundation was started in remembrance of Ben, a loving father, brother and son, as a way to help and support others that might be facing the same challenges that he faced. We want our local veterans to know that they are not alone and that we are here to help them and their families.
Donella Gomm McGiff
BIO:
I grew up in rural Idaho Falls, spending most of my days as a kid outside or with cousins and family. I’ve loved this small area since day one, and I’m thankful to call Idaho Falls home.
After finishing high school, I graduated in cosmetology and have enjoyed my profession for 13 years. Being with people and sharing conversation is one of my favorite things. I married my husband, Brian, in the summer of 2016, and we have been lucky enough to parent two beautiful children. Being a mother has been my most immense joy in life.
Idaho is our forever home, and I’m happy to be a part of the community. I’m so thankful to spend so much time with the brothers and sisters, who even continue the fight long after coming home.
Oliane Gomm Scott
BIO:
I have lived in Eastern Idaho since I was just three years old. I have four children whom I love raising in this community. As a family, we enjoy hiking, water, fun, and anything we can do outdoors together.
Growing up in a large family we spent most of my childhood enjoying the outdoors, helping out at scout camps, working at gun shows and more. Our mother taught all of us at a young age how important it is to serve others and it’s something I find immense joy in! Since I can remember, I have been taught to be patriotic in every sense, respect our flag, be grateful for our service members’ sacrifices, and be willing to serve our country and community. I love our country and the veterans living in it!
Mariah Gomm Coleman
I was born and raised in this amazing area we call Eastern Idaho. I am the oldest child in our large and loving family. I am the mother of three wonderful children who make my life complete.
Having a family with many veterans in it, I was taught at a young age to love and respect our service members, their sacrifices and our country. I was also blessed with a Mother who taught me that in serving others we find love and fulfillment within ourselves.
I attended high school in Idaho Falls and Shelley, and college at Kaplan University for four years in the Bachelor of science in Criminal Justice program.
I love our great community and the people in it. I love my country and our servicemen and women. I am committed to doing all I can for them upon coming home!
“Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.”
– Kallam Anji Reddy