Committee offers assistance to vets, families

Radio-thon fundraiser planned for this summer

By TOM KANE

BETHEL, NY — Kevin Grundig, who owns a professional training and placement company, has been utilizing his talents and his company in service to returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Grundig, a member of the Committee for the Families of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans, has offered training and job placement to 75 returning veterans.

“I have a network of professionals who volunteer to train veterans for specific jobs,” Grundig said. “The veterans pay nothing. Our committee’s funds pay for any behavioral testing they need. Why should they have to pay since they were putting their lives on the line for us?”

The committee, which was started by Ray McCarthy who is not himself a veteran, offers a wide range of assistance to the families of veterans who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our families need more than just monetary help,” McCarthy said. “Can you mow the lawn? Babysit? Do taxes? Are you a professional doctor, lawyer, accountant, psychotherapist, event planner, grant writer, physical therapist, home care aide, secretary or business person with products or jobs for vets? We are in the process of developing a ‘wish list’ of items that are needed. If you have something to give, we’re sure we can find a grateful home for it.”

The group met last month to prepare for a radio-thon fundraiser that aims to raise $130,000. Last year, the event raised $60,000. The immediate goal is to attract a cadre of volunteers to execute the event, which will be held at the Villa Roma from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 28 and from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 29.

Sponsors include Bold Gold Media; Shoprite; The River Reporter; Thunder 102; Nam Knights, a motorcycle club of veterans who are law enforcement officers who assist veterans’ families; and several Orange and Sullivan county veterans organizations.

On the last days of the radiothon on August 29 at 2:00 p.m., several New York and New Jersey Nam Knights Clubs will gather at the Villa Roma with donations they will be collecting for the event.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should call 845/794-0060. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should mail a check to SCAF Committee for the Families of Iraq War Vets, c/o Sullivan County Airport Festival, 65 Liberty Street, Monticello, NY 12701. Anyone from Pennsylvania wanting to contact the group can email nepavets@gmail.com or call 570/224-0813.