Child Car Seat Safety Day

Dustin and Brittany Dillard were a young couple, married 12 years, and parents to three precious young sons. They had a strong love for God and their family, for church and for their community. Both 33 years old, Dustin and Brittany lived to serve others and to bless those around them. In the same fashion in which the Lord promised blessings to Abram (Gen. 12:1-3), the Dillard’s lived every day according to God’s promise in which He said, “You have been blessed to be a blessing.” Dustin was a complete family man. He loved his family, his co-workers, friends and those he met along life’s path. Dustin’s signature big bear hug and deep resounding laugh were appreciated by everyone who knew him. He always looked forward to family nights, summer camping expeditions and boat rides on the river. Dustin’s children were his pride and joy, and unlike many men, he never wavered from caring for the trio by himself. In fact, he welcomed and savored the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with his boys! Brittany loved teaching and was a favorite among many of her students. She was considered a “Rock Star” at Walker Valley High School, and was loved without measure by her peers, administrators and her kids. When given the option to join the family business and earn a more lucrative income, Brittany never thought twice about stepping away from teaching. Her students were her passion and education was her calling. Her mission was to keep investing in young adults with every bit of energy and intellect gifted to her by the Lord. Brittany was also a faithful member of Walker Valley’s Tuesday morning bible studies and never hesitated to share her growing faith with her peers. Whether in the classroom, the playing field, at church, in the mission field or in the workplace, Dustin and Brittany were called to serve selflessly and to give indiscriminately of their time, talent and treasure. On Christmas evening 2022, Dustin, Brittany and their sons were headed to Benton for a final family celebration of the Lord’s birth. In the blink of an eye, life for the Dillard’s and their family tragically and irreparably changed when their vehicle was struck head-on by a drunk driver. Dustin and Brittany lost their lives instantly and their three young sons sustained critical, life-threatening injuries. Preston (7), Pierce (4) were airlifted and Pryor (2) was transported in an ambulance to a Chattanooga hospital where, throughout the next month, they would fight to regain their health and the new normality of life. The Dillard’s and Brittany’s family continue to wrestle with why this preventable and senseless act had left its cruel, indelible mark on their loved ones. Five months later, The 24/7 Movement (501c3 nonprofit organization) was created by the Dillard Family and friends to honor Dustin & Brittany’s memory while raising awareness to the hazards and potentially irrevocable consequences of impaired driving. The name of the foundation is significant in several respects. Two Four Seven commemorates the ages of the Dillard’s sons when the accident occurred. The 24/7 Movement also is a constant reminder to be diligent about impaired and distracted driving 24 hours per day seven days per week.