Disabled Patriot Fund Delivers Vehicle to Sgt. Timothy Kathol
Tim Kathol, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, and served over 9 years in the US Army returned home after being severely injured.
He now suffers from TBI and PTSD, and sustaiined disabling back injuries. He has two children who have disabilties as well.
Tim did not have a vehicle large enough to transport his family. And the car he had had was in poor condition and he owed over $12,000 at an interest rate
of 21%. The Disabled Patriot Fund, negotiated a settlement to pay off the existing loan on his car, and purchased a 2009 Toyota Sienna minivan for his family.
This is a picture of Tim and family receiving the keys to his new van! He was also able keep his other car which received new tires and other mechanical upgrades. Tim and his family now have two cars free of any debt. They were extremely happy to receive this vehicle. The car was purchased at a favorable rate from Toyota of Naperville owned by Dan Wolf.
$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”
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
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.
Sale of new home to build up funds for disabled vets
Buyer sought for Richton Park house constructed with
donations
August 10, 2008
By Casey Toner, Staff Writer for Neighborhood Star
Richton Park's patriot home needs a patriotic buyer.
The two-story, 2,800-square-foot, four bedroom, two and
a half bathroom home with an attached garage is being
sold for $374,900.
Located in the Las Fuentes subdivision west of
Interstate 57 and Sauk Trail, the home is on the selling
block.
Profits from the sale of the home will benefit the
Disabled Patriot Fund. It is the first home built by the
non-for-profit volunteer organization.
The Disabled Patriot Fund is a charity that financially
assists military veterans and their families adversely
affected by the war in Iraq.
"We can't give back what they've lost but we want to say
thank you to them and not make them suffer unnecessarily
financially," Disabled Patriot Fund public relations
director Tom Bartlett said.
While the exterior of the home is landscaped and drywall
has been installed, the owner is expected to make
certain choices.
"It's a new home so all they have to do is say 'I want
this tile, that color plumbing fixture,' Bartlett said.
"Whoever buys it can pick their choices and the house
can be customized to their taste."
Bartlett said the patriot home was built with donated
labor and materials from the SouthWest Suburban Home
Builders Association. Additionally, Mill Creek
Development Inc. donated the home's plot of land.
The idea for the project first came about in February
2006 when a SouthWest Suburban Home Builders Association
member auctioned off a lot in Mokena, the auction netted
$150,000 for the Disabled Patriot Fund.
"We actually are hoping that we can do this as a model
for other home building associations and they can pick
up on it and raise funds in other parts of Illinois or
around the country," Bartlett said.
In the meantime, Bartlett said the Disabled Patriot Fund
is focused on selling the new home.
"The (future owners) can be proud to know in the
purchase of their home, they helped many, many veterans
of the war on terror," Bartlett said.
Casey Toner can be reached at ctoner@southtownstar.com
or (708) 802-8816.
William Self
In August, 2008, the Disbursement Committee approved
a grant for SSG William Self for help with expenses.
William fell off a Guard Tower and broke his tibia and
fibia in multiple places. While recovering, he got an
infection which ate away at his leg which resulted in
multiple surgeries. William is from Bloomington,
Illinois.
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.
Timothy Bredberg
On March 31, 2008, the DPF approved a grant for wounded
soldier, Timothy Bredberg. He was wounded by a Mortar
shell and had a friend die in his arms. He also suffers
from PTSD. Timothy is working on becoming a Nurse
Practitioner to help others. He is from Springfield,
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 >>
Pictures of the
Construction Process:
Click on a picture for more
detail.