Reducing the number of suicides stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder has been part of the mission for Yorkville American Legion Post 489.
“We want to help make a dent in the number of suicides among veterans,” Tim Conrardy, commander of the American Legion Yorkville Post, said.
A wounded warrior is not just someone who has lost an arm or a leg, it can denote other issues such as post-traumatic stress, he added.
The Yorkville Legion Post is hosting its second Warrior Relief Gala in an effort to raise money for local veterans.
Legion Auxiliary member and one of the gala’s organizers, Christine Michaud, said she wants to do whatever she can to help the vets in the area, especially since she has met area veterans who are struggling with emotional issues.
At one time, many of the Legion members were World War II or Vietnam War veterans, she said. However, newer members served during the most recent conflicts including Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Yorkville Legion Post raised $12,000 at its first fundraiser, however, this year the group hopes to raise $50,000.
By moving the Warrior Relief Gala to a larger facility in Sandwich and enlisting local band favorites –Yorkville Big Band and American English — the crew of about 15 to 20 American Legion volunteers hope to fill the 1,000-seat banquet room at the Timber Creek Inn in Sandwich to capacity.
In addition, Medal of Honor recipient Allen J. Lynch will be a guest speaker. Lynch, who served in Vietnam, received the Medal of Honor in 1967 for saving three fellow servicemen.
Last year, the gala held at the Legion’s 400-seat banquet facility in Yorkville sold out quickly, Michaud said, and the Legion was forced to turn people away.
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“We are not professional fundraisers, but we are doing the best we can to raise money for local vets without a lot of overhead expenses,” Conrardy added. “The money we collect stays in northern Illinois.”
Conrardy initially became involved with the Yorkville American Legion Post when he moved to Sugar Grove.
Five years ago, he became post commander. As the country’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization, he said, “the Legion is dedicated to helping veterans and serving the community.”
Although he didn’t serve overseas, Conrardy was an active serviceman during the Vietnam War. At that time, Conrardy witnessed first-hand what the true purpose of the American Legion is, he said.
“It is really about making sure we never treat our veterans the way they were treated after the Vietnam War again,” he said.
He is also an active member of the American Legion Riders — a group of motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to the support of the American Legion.
By escorting veterans home from the airport and assisting with funerals, “our riders bring the American Legion’s message far beyond the brick and mortar of our Legion building,” Conrardy said.
Cathy Janek is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News
Yorkville American Legion fundraiser
What: Warrior Relief Gala
When: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17
Where: Timber Creek Inn, Sandwich