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For Fallen Soldiers Fundraiser To Be Held

Jan-12-2005 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT , Charitable Projects , Scott Thorne , Travis Majors

The following article describes a fundraiser to benefit the soldiers, and their families, that were injured or killed in an attack on September 14th in Mosul. The names of Jacob Demand, Scott Thorne, and Travis Majors are familiar to most of you, but the article provides updates on the other soldiers involved in the incident as well.

Link to Full Article (Photo included)
By: James Montalto

Mark and Barbara Vogl, originally from Long Island, will be hosting a charity fundraiser for Barbara's son, Sergeant James Wingate, and six fellow soldiers of the First Squadron-Fourteenth Cavalry of the United States Army who were ambushed and injured by insurgents in Mosul, Iraq on September 14, 2004.

During the firefight five of the seven soldiers were seriously wounded, including Wingate, and one brave man, Sergeant Jake Demand, made the ultimate sacrifice. "This is so much different than Vietnam," said Mark Vogl, Wingate's stepfather and a combat arms officer in the US Army for almost 10 years. "I don't remember people supporting our troops back then like they do today. It makes a huge difference to our troops and to our country," he said.

A group of the Vogl's closest friends contacted Senator Caesar Trunzo (R-Hauppauge), former Congressman Rick Lazio and Congressman Steve Israel (D-Hauppauge) in an effort to help organize a fundraiser to ease the financial burdens of these wounded heroes and their families. Trunzo, Lazio and Israel will serve as honorary co-chairs of the event dubbed the Seven Brothers Fund. "Originally, this event was organized by the Vogl's and their friends just to benefit James [Wingate], but he wanted it to be for all members of his unit," said Rob Moschetti, an organizer for the event. [...]

Dan Mitola, chairman of the non-profit fund, hopes that people will consider making a contribution or attend the charity fundraiser, and Vogl agrees. "These guys and their families need your help. I thank God for the many friends on Long Island and across the nation who are making donations to the Seven Brothers Fund. Your generosity will help the transition back to civilian life and assist the family of Sergeant Jake Demand, after their tragic loss," Vogl said.

The Seven Brothers Fund charity fundraiser will be held on February 2, at the AMVETS Post 18, located at 141 Carleton Avenue, in East Islip, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., where beer, wine, soda, music, raffles and a Chinese auction will be enjoyed. Those attending are asked to make a tax deductible donation of $75 per person. Checks should be made out to the Seven Brothers Fund, 51 Timberpoint Road, East Islip, NY, 11730. RSVP by January 28 to Dan Mitola at 234-1817 or Rob Moschetti at 981-7533.

Be sure to read the entire article for updates on all of the soldiers.

CORRECTION: Some of the information in the article regarding Travis Majors is not correct. Cindy McGrew talked to Travis today and he wasn't aware of a move to CA, so...


Comments For "For Fallen Soldiers Fundraiser To Be Held":

Travis Majors is in VA Medical Center in Augusta Ga. He's doing great, He was able to learn how to use a computer thru voice activated ( I don't know how you call that) but I am confident enough that his in good condition.

Posted by: concern | January 13, 2005 4:01 AM

Thanks for doing this. It's really a nice thing you're doing.

Posted by: Auntie Karen | January 13, 2005 8:46 AM

Sorry about the mistakes in the article. I just reported what I was told by the organizers.

Also, I just wanted to express my gratitude to Travis Majors and all of the "brothers" and every member of the United States Armed Forces for fighting for us and protecting us in these trying times. Thank you. God bless all of you. My prayers are with you and your families.

Posted by: James Montalto | January 19, 2005 9:51 PM

James,

Thanks for writing the story and letting us know about this fundraiser. We have many people here that have followed the stories of these soldiers, and we appreciate any updates we can get.

Todd

Posted by: Todd | January 19, 2005 10:11 PM

I am thankful to have worked on the commitee for the Seven Brothers Fund. Barbara Vogl was my boss at Congressman Lazio's office for many years. I am proud to be her friend. The first time I met her sons they were still in their teens. I will never forget February 2nd. The honor of meeting the 5 soldiers will stay in my heart for the rest of my days. The power of their presence is impossible to explain. These are the truest Americans. The effort they made to join us is unbelievable. I am so happy that they were able to. May God Bless and keep them all the days of their lives.

Posted by: Antoinette | February 8, 2005 6:21 AM

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