$350,000 Donation to Disabled Patriot Fund--Event scheduled October 17th, 2009

The Disabled Patriot Fund, Inc. (501-c-3) an Illinois not for profit that provides financial relief to those military and their families who have been adversely affected by the War on Terror announced today that on October 17, 2009, Richton Park Village President Rick Reinhold and Village Trustees, The Richton Park VW Post, will be on hand with invited Governor Patrick Quinn, Representatives Mike Madigan and Al Riley and Senators Louis Viverito and Maggie Crotty for the presentation of $350,000 which is made possible from the sale of the “Patriot Home” in Richton Park, IL.

Mike Ford, a Board Member of the Disabled Patriot Fund conceived and was the driving force of The “Patriot Home” in Richton Park , IL . The building of the “Patriot Home” was a collaborative effort of the Disabled Patriot Fund, members of the Southwest Suburban Homebuilders Association and the Mill Creek Development Co. The development company donated the home site and members of the SSHBA donated Labor and Materials to build the “Patriot Home”, which resulted in the beautiful and energy efficient “Patriot Home” which was purchased by a local veteran and his family, with the sale proceeds of $350,000 donated to the Disabled Patriot Fund for disbursement to documented Military Members and their Families who have been adversely affected by The War on Terror.

The Disabled Patriot Fund, an All Volunteer organization with no paid members, since its simple inception over a breakfast meeting in 2004, has raised and disbursed over $1,000,000. Providing; emergency travel and housing, permanent housing, handicap equipped vehicles, handicap accessible home improvements and general financial assistance.

The Disabled Patriot Fund raises its funds through individuals, corporations, golf-outings and this first time project, the “Patriot Home”. Recognized and awarded a “Home Town Heroes Award” in 2007 by then Lt. Governor Quinn the Disabled Patriot Fund stands ready to Thank all our Military, but especially those who have made extreme physical sacrifices for the Freedom and Freedoms of the USA and for the world.

Date: October 17, 2009
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Location: 6824 Oxnard , Richton Park , IL

Directions: I-57 to Sauk Trail – West on Sauk Trail approximately 1.4 miles to the Las Fuentes Subdivision Entrance on the South side of Sauk Trail, follow signs to the “Patriot Home”

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Chad  Watson

On September 23, 2009 Chad Watson a wounded war veteran received a new truck at the White sox game.  To read the complete story as covered by the Chicago Sun-Times, click the link at the end of this entry.

The Disabled Patriot Fund, Injured Marine Semper Fi Foundation, Sentinel of Freedom Foundation, Marine Law Enforcement Foundation, Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 and Chevrolet of Naperville are honored to present severely Wounded Cpl Chad Watson USMC with this vehicle, which will provide him the independence he so rightful deserves. We all work to ensure the American Dream for our Wounded Freedom Fighters, for they have sacrificed so much for our American Dream and Freedom.


USMC Cpl. Chad Watson Charlie 1/24
From Barrington IL
26 years old
Deployed: Fallujah, Iraq 2006, Wounded on his first tour, Wounded on Nov. 29, 2006
Traumatically lost my right leg above the knee, shattered left foot and ankle, and shrapnel to the face.

Marine Cpl. Chad Watson’s Bio

Chad joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 2004 while attending Indiana University on a Wrestling Scholarship. He was a part of the 3/24 Infantry Unit out of Terre Haute, IN. He drilled there while in college with aspirations of becoming a Marine Corps Officer. In 2006 Marines from 3/24 were asked to volunteer to deploy with RCT 5 to go to Fallujah, Iraq. Chad put OCS on hold and volunteered to deploy with only one semester left to go of college. Chad was assigned a Team Leader position and was attached to 1/24 RCT 5. After almost three months in Fallujah, Iraq Chad was hit by an IED while conducting a vehicle mounted patrol. During this blast Chad traumatically lost his right leg above the knee, shattered his left ankle and foot, and took shrapnel to his right eye and face. Chad spent the next 17 months recovering and going through rehabilitation and multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Chad was recognized by his Battalion 1/24 as Marine of the Quarter for his actions in combat while in Fallujah, Iraq and was meritoriously promoted.


Some of Chad’s awards and recognitions include: Boot Camp Honor Graduate, School of Infantry Honor Graduate, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon. Chad was also voted by his fellow Marines as the one Marine they would most like to serve in combat with. (SOI Bravo Company 13-05)
 

Read Chicago Sun-Times story

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Steve Baskiz
In November, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for Steve Baskiz. Steve was on his way back to Baghdad on when a roadside bomb exploded near his armored vehicle. Shrapnel from the blast hit the side of Steve’s head and other parts of his body. The blast left him blind.

Steve can be found teaching a computer class at Hines to the sightless. His story is the subject of an upcoming documentary “Going Blind”, which is designed to increase public awareness of blindness.

On June 5, 2009, the Disbursement Committee approved another grant for Steve to put toward a down payment on a home. Steve is from Forest Park, Illinois.

 

Jason (Jay) Redman
On 6-5-09, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for wounded Navy Seal Lt. Jason (Jay) Redman. Jay was shot seven times in the face and arms with a machine gun during an operation in Iraq. Jay is from New York but spends a lot of time in Chicago having facial surgeries performed.

While in Bethesda Naval Hospital in October, 2007, Jay posted a sign on his hospital door that read,

“Attention: To all who enter here, if you’re coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, and doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love. I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push that about 20% further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid re-growth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere.”

While making rounds at the hospital, John Vigiano, a firefighter and policeman who lost two sons on 9-11) and a bunch of other firemen, noticed the note on the door. They realized that inside that room was an incredible human being. John immediately asked to meet this young man and from that point on a bond was established.

On 6-7-09, the DPF hosted a fundraising event at the Saloon Steakhouse where the Chicago Fire Department accepted the disbursement on behalf of Jason (Jay) Redman who could not be present because of another surgery.
 

VET Fest - June 7, 2009
The DPF’s event, VET FEST, which took place on June 7, 2009 at Saloon Steakhouse located at 200 East Chestnut Street was a success. The DPF approved two disbursements for this event to Jason (Jay) Redman and Steve Baskiz. Past recipients that attended were Mike Mendoza, Gabe Garriga, Dan Casara, Miguel Delgado, Steve Baskiz, Sergio Lopez, Kenny Carleton-Smith and Juan Arreola. Thank you to all those who continue to support the Disabled Patriot Fund.
 

Casey Thayer
In April, 2009, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant to Casey Thayer. Casey was injured when a grenade went through the vehicle he was in and thru his left leg. Casey has been through a number of surgeries to reconstruct his leg. Casey is from Crete, Illinois.

Greg Brazinsky
In November, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant to Greg Brazinsky. Greg was injured by an IED and suffers from traumatic brain injury, nerve damage to arm, neck and face among other injuries. Greg is from Worth, Illinois.

Ryan Carlson & Aaron Carlson
In May, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved grants to two brothers Ryan and Aaron Carlson. Aaron suffers from traumatic brain injury, PTSD, lower back injuries among other injuries. Aaron and Ryan are from Annawan, Illinois.

Aaron Bramblett
In January, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant to Aaron Bramblett to obtain his pilot’s license. Aaron suffers from two broken arms. Aaron was in Iraq at an airbase and fell from the top of a Blackhawk helicopter he was working on when another helicopter flew over him in close proximity causing him to fall 15 feet to concrete. Aaron was medically discharged since he can no longer hold a rifle due to diminished use of left hand. In January, 2009, the Disbursement Committee approved another grant to Aaron for help with monthly expenses and a move to Florida to pursue another job.

January 5, 2009
Christine G. Landwehr, nee Gertz, beloved wife of Robert J. "Skip" Landwehr; loving mother of Scott (Coleen), Jeff and Tim Landwehr; cherished grandmother of Margaret and Moira; devoted daughter of Charlotte and the late Carl Gertz; dearest sister of Char Lobitz; dear daughter-in-law of the late Robert C. and Marion Landwehr; fond sister-in-law of Kathy (Fred) Beyer, William (Georgia) and John (Mary Beth) Landwehr; aunt of many. Visitation Monday 3 to 9 p.m. at Lawn Funeral Home, 7732 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Lying in state Tuesday, 10 a.m. until time of funeral service, 11 a.m., at Peace Memorial Church, 10300 W. 131st Street, Palos Park. Interment private. In lieu of flowers memorials to www.disabledpatriotfund.com would be appreciated. Funeral info: 708-429-3200

Our deepest sympathies go out to Skip and his family.
Read Online Obituary
 

On Sunday, August 24th, 2008, the children in the photo raised $26.40 for the Disabled Patriot Fund from a Kool Aid Stand in their Orland Park neighborhood. The organizers are pictured from left to right; Steve Sismelich, Sean McShane, Jack McNulty, Kelli McShane, Kevin McShane & Emily Kranz.



 

Builders and trades unite for Disabled Patriot Fund

August 10, 2008
From the Neighborhood Star

In Richton Park, one new home holds so much more than hopes of finding a buyer; the sale of the Las Fuentes community residence will provide support for hundreds of American military families forever impacted by the War on Terror.

The 2,800-square-foot, four bedroom, two-bath home arrives from the efforts of over 40 Chicagoland contractors, all of whom volunteered their time, resources, services, and manpower for little more than the knowledge that their work would support the Disabled Patriot Fund, a collection of Chicago area business and civic officials who provide financial relief for local U.S. military families adversely affected by the Middle East conflict. The Disabled Patriot Fund will receive all proceeds from the home's sale, projected to be in the $350,000-375,000 range.

"It's gratifying that there are so many individuals and industry businesses that have come together for such a worthy cause, particularly given the tough market times the real estate industry's facing right now," Disabled Patriot Fund President Patrick McShane said.

McShane hopes that the project, the first of its kind in the Chicago area and one sparked by various Southwest Suburban Home Builders Association (SSHBA) members, can function as a model for other homebuilders and their industry partners to follow throughout elsewhere. The Patriot Home has already earned state recognition, recently earning semifinalist honors for the Governor's Hometown Award.

"We hope we've created a model of collaboration and spirit here that other homebuilder associations throughout the state can mimic, so that we can continue our quest to help all of those disabled veterans throughout the state," McShane said, adding that the Fund has dispersed over $1 million since its inception in 2005. "If we can get others to follow our lead, we will have made a significant accomplishment beyond what's already been done."

The idea for the project first came about in February 2006 when an SSHBA member auctioned off a lot in the Bridges of Mokena community. The land donation netted the Disabled Patriot Fund $150,000 and prompted the Disabled Patriot Fund to consider even greater possibilities.

The SSHBA member began the process by donating another lot, this time a corner lot in Richton Park's Las Fuentes community, a 156-acre residential community opened by Mill Creek Development, Inc. in 2007.

Disabled Patriot Fund Treasurer Tom Spangler then enlisted the help of other SSHBA-affiliated businesses and trades to transition the Patriot Home from theory into reality. Following the October 27, 2007 groundbreaking, hundreds of workers descended upon the home at various points to lend their skills to the finished product.

Alsip-based Edon Construction donated the rough framing and porch materials as well as the talents of foreman Kurt Negele's crew.

On more than one Saturday, Negele traveled to the Patriot Home with his eight-year-old son Doug to complete various remodeling projects.

"I feel people need help sometimes and I just stepped up to do it, especially for the veterans," said Negele, who estimates he spent upwards of 60 hours working at the home.

John Donahue, owner of Emerald Landscaping in Frankfort, spent one week at the home with his crew adding greenery, sod, topsoil, plants, and bushes.

"The men and women returning from overseas could use our help, and we're glad to play our part," Donahue said.

The State Bank of Countryside has also served an ally to the Disabled Patriot Fund and its recipients through their cooperation.

Open to all buyers, the Patriot Home is ready for its new owners to put their personal touches on the home by selecting the flooring, cabinetry, and other finishes.

 

Marcus Ferando
In August, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for Marcus for help with expenses. Marcus suffers from a back broken in 15 places due to being shot out of a helicopter, TBI, PTSD and many other internal and external injuries. Marcus is from Ewing, Illinois.

Danielle Green-Byrd
In August, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for Danielle Green-Byrd for help with college tuition. Danielle’s left arm was blown off by a RPG on May 23, 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq while patrolling a police station. Danielle is from Chicago, Illinois.

Chris (Tank) Marron
On July 10, 2008, at the annual golf outing, the Disbursement Committee presented a check to Chris Marron for help with monthly expenses. Chris was blown up, has an ankle injury and suffers from severe TBI. Chris is from the north side of Chicago, Illinois.

Dusty Hill
On July 10, 2008, at the annual golf outing, the Disbursement Committee presented a check to Dusty Hill to put toward a down payment on a new home. Dusty was one of the DPF’s first injured soldiers of war. Dusty suffered from severe third degree burns, loss of his right eye, ear and both hands. Dusty is from Mineral, Illinois.

Sean Kasper
On June 28, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for Cpl. Sean Kasper. Sean was struck by pieces of shrapnel from a R.P.G. that exploded about 10 meters away. Sean is from Lockport, Illinois.Ryan Krantz

Ryan Krantz
On May 9, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for wounded soldier Ryan Krantz. Ryan suffers from severe TBI, PTSD and back problems that developed while being bombarded in his first tour of duty. Ryan is from Orland Park, Illinois.
 

Brian Easley
On May 5, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant to wounded solider Brian Easley for help with his expenses. Brian suffered from shrapnel to the left arm leaving little feeling in his left hand. Brian is from Wheaton, Illinois.
 

Israel Del Toro (DT)
On January 4, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for wounded Staff Sgt Israel Del Toro to help with monthly expenses. Israel was seriously injured during combat operations in Afghanistan with third degree burns over 80% of his body, and lost his fingers on both hands. He is from Naperville, Illinois.

Giving to those who gave for us
The SouthtownStar :: Orland Park :: Homer Glen :: Orland Hills
December 9, 2007
By Jodi Marneris


As our thoughts turn to giving this holiday season, it's only fitting to think about supporting an organization that gives to men and women who have given for us.


The organization is the Disabled Patriot Fund, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation that provides financial relief for local U.S. military families adversely affected by the war on terror. To date, the group has helped more than 50 soldiers throughout Illinois with medical and other expenses as they and their families attempt to rebuild their lives.


The group relies on a network of area business people and local officials who volunteer their time to raise awareness, and money through various fundraisers. They currently are building a home in Richton Park that they plan to sell and channel the proceeds into the fund. Orland Park resident Dave Wagner, a founding member who serves as secretary on the board, said the land for the home was donated by Mill Creek Development and that everything involved in the construction of this home has been or will be donated.


Donations of time and money are always welcome. If you're interested in volunteering, call (708) 217-6565 or e-mail tcbartlett@comcast.net. If you'd like to make a monetary donation, call (708) 364-9445, visit www.disabledpatriotfund.com, or send a check made payable to the Disabled Patriot Fund to: The Disabled Patriot Fund, in care of Heritage Bank, 951 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL 60451.


Here's a thought. What if families in Orland Park bought just one less gift this holiday season and instead donated that money to the Disabled Patriot Fund? There's no telling just how much brighter you'd be helping to make the future for one of our military families.

 

Sgt. Joshua Michael
On 11-28-07, the Disbursement Committee approved a grant for wounded Sgt. Joshua Michael in the amount of $1,000 for 6 months to help with monthly expenses. Joshua has bad knees and ankles which worsened due to his serving in Iraq. He is from Streamwood, Illinois.
 

The Patriot Home
The ground breaking ceremony for the "Patriot Home" is Saturday, October 27th at 10:00 a.m. The address is 6284 Oxnard, Lot 127, Richton Park. It is located at Sauk Trail & Ridgeland in the Las Fuentes Subdivision.

Download PDF of Home and Floor Plan >>