All,

1. I cannot claim the distinction of being a veteran.

2. I have not been a participant of AR-15.com sufficiently long to know if posting veterans' fundraiser info is prohibited.

If for those reasons, or any others, written or understood among you, this post is not appropriate, moderator please delete and I'll understand.

I received the info below via email today from a retired USMC Lieutenant Colonel who heads a Marine Corps support group in the Middle Tennessee area.  


Greetings one and all;

  As most of you know, last year we selected Sgt. Kevin Downs, TNG., to be our Tennessee Marine Corps Leadership recipient.  We have yet to be able to make the award presentation as Kevin remains hospitalized.  The following relates to a fundraising concert for Kevin.  

It is JULY 17 –TUESDAY—7:00  GREER STADIUM (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE)


About Kevin;

     Sgt. Downs and his team were attacked in August 2005 while serving in Iraq.  He was found lying in the dirt, still on fire.  Kevin sustained burns over 60% of his body, lost both legs, and has been reduced almost entirely to the use of only the fingers on one hand.  The other members of his team perished.

     He will be 23 years old in November.  He has spent most of the last two years at Brooke Army Medical Center.  Doctors are finally seeing the possibility of Kevin returning home to his family in Kingston Springs, TN.  On his return, he will undergo physical therapy on special equipment to help him live with relative independence.  However, upon his release, no such specially outfitted home exists for him.  

      Kevin's community has rallied together and decided  to make sure he has that special home.  

      A massive event is taking place in Nashville on July 17, 2007 at  Greer Stadium.  It is called Home For a Hero.  All proceeds will go to help build this home for Kevin.  There will be 10 major country acts including Lonestar, Joe  Diffie, Collin Raye and more.    

       Filling 7,000 seats is essential to the success of this effort.      

       Donations will be accepted but they are not specifically asking for money.  The sponsors are asking, instead, that you might simply help spread the word.  

       Please help by forwarding this to everyone you can.   Encourage them to visit www.homeforahero.com and watch a short 2 minute video on Kevin's story. He helped make OUR future possible with his  sacrifice.  Let’s return the favor.

The veterans forum is for all things relating to veterans.

If that post is deemed inappropriate, then they can delete my account along with the post.......

Unfortunately, the majority of us are unable to attend due to the events location, but would like to help out a fellow veteran.

Could you post some ticket purchasing information?

ETA: Found it and hot linked.
Home for a Hero

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Quoted: Unfortunately, the majority of us are unable to attend due to the events location, but would like to help out a fellow veteran. Could you post some ticket purchasing information? ETA: Found it and hot linked. Home for a Hero

Thanks for your interest and thanks especially for the hot link.  Internet literacy is another distinction I cannot claim.  

A little additional info:

Country stars to help build 'Home for a Hero'
Concert to raise money for soldier badly hurt in Iraq
By CHANTAL ESCOTO
Gannett Tennessee


CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — A country music concert is in the works to help build a house for Sgt. Kevin Downs, a Cheatham County National Guard soldier severely injured in the Iraq war.

The Home for a Hero concert will be July 17 at Greer Stadium in Nashville. The band Lonestar will headline the event, with artists Collin Ray, Joe Diffie, David Lee Murphy, Paulette Carson and others scheduled to perform.  

"The goal of the show is to honor all the military," said event chair Patze Fischer, who runs a recording studio and lined up the performers. "It's very important to Kevin and his family that all service members are recognized at this concert for what they do every day. …"

Downs, 22, was serving with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq in August 2005 when he and three fellow soldiers were ambushed. Downs was blown out of the Humvee gunner's hatch and found in a ditch.

He received burns on more than 60 percent of his body, lost both legs and has only partial use of one hand.

He was the only survivor.

Downs is continuing to recover at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Once he's ready to come home, he'll need a safe and rehabilitative place near his family.

The Home for a Hero house will allow Downs to live an independent life as he encourages other injured soldiers.

More sponsors needed

Lori Hilliard, Family Readiness Group leader for the 278th, said she hopes to get more sponsors for the project so the house can be ready when Downs is.

"My son is a member of the Guard and is the same age as Kevin," said Hilliard, who also has a daughter-in-law who just deployed to Iraq, leaving behind a 1-year-old child.

"To see what Kevin has gone through and what he's endured and always to see his spirit — he has remained so positive. His spirit is incredible."

So far, the roof has been donated as well as labor and some materials.

Next month's concert will feature a "heavy metal" preshow, which will be a display of military machinery courtesy of the Tennessee National Guard, a helicopter flyover and a fireworks show.

Sponsors include the Nashville Sounds; County Q Productions; Gish, Sherwood & Friends; and more.

For a complete list, go to www.homeforahero.com.