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thedrifter
09-24-08, 07:14 AM
2008 Heroes Weekend Coming Soon

Updated: Sep 23, 2008 06:50 PM
By Jeanie Powell
WAFF 48 News Reporter

Marines helping fellow Marines.

We've got an amazing event to tell you about coming soon to the Rocket City.

Help is needed for the 2008 Heroes Weekend.

The Semper Fi Community Task Force is reaching out to wounded warriors, fellow Marines injured in combat, and flying them into the Valley to personally say thank you.

These men and women are recovering mentally and physically from war.

But organizers need your help to make the event a memorable one.

Last year, there were 17 Marines brought to the Valley.

Joe Bongiovanni, fellow Marine and one of the event's organizers says, "When they left here they were totally different people and so was the Valley."

This year, the Semper Fi Community Task Force hopes to welcome 30 Marines and their families to the Valley from November 7-12.

"We're going to have a fishing tournament. We're going to the Marine Corps Ball. They're going to be our guests there at the Veterans Day parade."

These warriors from across the U.S have all been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"A lot of them have been recovering from their wounds for up to a year or maybe longer. So, a lot of them are in bad shape physically. Mentally, there's a lot of stress on them and their families."

Bongiovanni explains how they will offer them counseling on their future, provide them with job opportunities, and "just in general show them that our country cares and that we love them."

Helping the Marines transition from military to civilian life is also important.

Once a Marine, always a Marine and Bongiovanni sees Huntsville as a natural fit for the event.

"This is the best place in the world. This is the best kept secret, isn't it? It's a wonderful place. I think our community here being with a lot of military background, it's such a wonderful place. They are so supportive of our troops."

Organizers want to show how much we appreciate their heroism.

"We encourage public to come out and interact with these young kids. I guarantee they'll never be the same."

The event relies fully on donations.

The goal is to raise $100,000 that will include transportation, lodging, food, and activities.

You can make contributions at any Wachovia Bank.

Just say you want to help the Wounded Warriors.

For more information on the event during Veterans Day Week, from November 7-12, be sure to visit http://sfctf.org.

You can email Jeanie at jpowell@waff.com

Ellie