“The day of the event just gives you so much joy. You can just feel the vibe. I figure it’s the least we can do for those who gave so much.”
Former Army infantry Sgt. Matthew West and his wife, Cara, both of Beverly, thank a supportive crowd during a Chicago Soldiers fundraiser Saturday at The Meadows Golf Club in Blue Island.
Many were there in particular to support Matthew West, a former Army infantry sergeant injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq.The event, combined with donations from area businesses such as Fibre Drum Sales and the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post in New Lenox, yielded more than $35,000 for West.
At one point, Krebel’s voice wavered. West let go of crutches to give Krebel a big hug, then steadied himself. “We were light infantry, which meant we carried everything on our backs, anything in support of our mission,” West said. “I was 6′2″, 215 pounds. They weighed us before getting on a helicopter and I weighed well over 300 pounds. After the service, I lost an inch .”
Drew’s grandfather served in World War II. His uncle served in Vietnam. Though he never served in the military, he believes it’s important to recognize the sacrifice of veterans. Former Marine James Poggi and former Air Force helicopter pilot Toni Simone visit during a Chicago Soldiers golf outing Saturday at The Meadows Golf Club in Blue Island. Both veterans have been assisted by the Orland Park-based organization.
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