Kelley is relieved by Adam’s return from Iraq, especially after losing several friends to combat. When Adam confronted an intruder, Kelley witnessed a terrifying protective rage she had never seen before. A week later, Adam had violent nightmares for four consecutive nights but denied that anything was wrong. On the fifth night, Adam confided that he had killed people on Easter during his deployment, a timing that deeply troubled him as a Christian. They prayed together, and the nightmares ceased.

In July 2008, the family visited Janice and Larry’s lakefront home. Adam asked his parents to watch for properties in the Lake Hamilton School District, planning to settle there after leaving the Navy. Adam and Kelley found a property they dreamed of purchasing someday.

When Adam’s teammate Kevin Houston described helping an Afghan boy in need, Adam immediately offered to contribute. While redeployed to Kunar Province, Adam called Kelley and his parents, requesting shoes and socks for Afghan children living in harsh winter conditions. Kelley and Janice each purchased 20 pairs, with additional donations from their churches. A Green Beret recalled Adam distributing footwear on missions, kneeling in the dirt to help children who had never tied shoes. Adam ultimately provided over 500 pairs to Kunar Province children.