Main fundraiser photo

Operation Return Pilot Lighter

Tax deductible
OPERATION PILOT RETURN LIGHTER
To view the local story of how the lighter was found click here https://www.wgrz.com/video/news/local/lighter-brings-2-military-families-together/71-8179995 

KMR would like your help financially to fly Josh Kelley and a companion to the Buffalo area from Arkansas on August 17th- August 20th to return his Fathers' Zippo which was engraved and carried thru the Vietnam war) and also be the Honoree to start the 6th annual KMR10k.

Josh is the son of Daniel Kelley, who served honorably as a U.S. Marine stationed at Chu Lai, Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Daniel served as an E5 in Marine Air Group 13 VMFA 115 tasked in Aviation Ordinance. Josh feels fortunate to currently communicate with an Air Crew Chief who also served at Chu Lai and provides Josh insight to the operations at the airbase during the war.

Fighter jets were routinely armed and serviced at Chu Lai to assist in maintaining U.S. air superiority over the skies of Southeast Asia. When necessary, Daniel operated heavy machine guns to repel opposing infantry forces from the airbase. Daniel lived and operated in areas of the airbase heavily exposed to Agent Orange. 

In 1975, Josh was born without both arms below the elbow and his left leg below the knee. Daily, Josh adapts and overcomes limits set by his physical birth defects resulting from his father’s exposure to the weaponized herbicide commonly referred to as Agent Orange during his Service in the Vietnam War. As a result of his father’s exposure to Agent Orange by age four Josh experienced more time in hospitals than many adults will ever endure and tragically ended his own life.  The zippo lighter has had a long journey to get back where it belongs, to the Veterans Son, Josh.  Please help KMR help this Veteran.

To read more about Josh's story click here http://www.covvha.net/2016/01/24/life-long-impact-agent-orange-vietnam-veterans-children/

Organizer

Jason Jaskula
Organizer
Tonawanda, NY
K.I.A.Memorial Roadmarch KMR
Beneficiary

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