(KSDK) - Some military veterans from the St. Louis area are putting out a call for help. Veterans are trying to hold a fundraiser for a local marine who lost his legs and one arm, but donations are coming up short.
Organizers believe they are having difficulties because many people have extremely tight budgets right now, while many others have already given so much to help the tornado victims.
Justin Mcloud was with a battalion that lost nine marines in just four days last fall in the northern Helmand province. A blast from a roadside bomb cost Justin Mcloud, the Marine from Cedar Hill Missouri his legs and one arm.
Mcloud is learning to walk again and soon will be coming home and the men and women at an Arnold VFW want to make sure he gets a hero's welcome.
Post 2593 in Arnold is planning what they hope will be a huge fundraiser on July 2nd at the VFW hall.
Organizers are planning for a barbecue, silent auction and raffles among other things. People behind the fundraiser said they are need of lots of help, especially donations to make the fundraiser as special as it should be.
VFW members said they are counting on ordinary citizens to step up to the plate and show marine corporal Mcloud how much he is loved and supported at home.
"We wouldn't have anything we have today if it were not for the people that have shed their blood or given their lives in the past for this country," said fundraiser organizer, Brad Denny.
Marine corporal Mcloud is expected to return home on the 23rd of this month. Mcloud is getting a big welcome home by hundreds of people including the patriot guard riders and the combat veteran's motorcycle association.
The fundraiser for Justin Mcloud is Saturday July 2nd from 11 to 8pm and is being held at VFW Post 2593 in Arnold. For more information contact Brad Denny at 314-630-4789, or Debbie Denny at 314-560-6908.
KSDK
