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.