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Subject: Specialist Kevin Kammerdiener
Kevin Kammerdiener was atop the Humvee, a video-game-loving skate rat now a U.S. Army private, cradling a machine gun as the NATO convoy drove through Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Kevin was serving with the 173 Inf out of Italy assigned to duty in Afghanistan.
It was May 21, 2008.
In a minute his life would change forever. So too would his family's. You may read the rest of the story at: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/26/260940/MENEWSO11/
I am writing to you today on behalf of Specialists Kammerdiener and his mother Lesli Kammerdiener. Since being injured in May 2008, Kevin has undergone extensive surgeries, several requiring the removal of the top part of his skull. Today, Kevin is in San Antonio, Texas undergoing further treatment for his wounds and burns. Kevin injuries include a Traumatic Brain Injury, and extensive burns.
Last night I had a long discussion by phone with Lesli, she is exhausted, depressed and just needed someone to talk too. Listening to Lesli on our speaker phone, my wife and I were very concerned. Lesli has been the sole source of “Caregiver” for Kevin since he was first injured. She has been scraping by on donations that she received in 2008 from well wishers and many organizations such as yours. It is amazing that she has so effectively and efficiency managed those donated funds that it is only now that she is at the end of her savings. She is down to $245.00!
Lesli lives without any medical insurance for her own wellbeing. Of course all medical needs for Kevin are covered by the Veterans Administration. Recently, Lesli has had to go to the doctor after putting off the requirement for some time, which is another reason she is in dire need of a financial boost.
Operation American Pride, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization that my wife and I run in support of our military veterans. Our website is: http://www.operationamericanpride.org , I invite you to please visit the site and see how we help.
Throughout 2010, Operation American Pride, Inc. assisted Kevin and his mother, we purchased Kevin an I-PAD, which helps him communicate and has proven to be a wonderful tool in regenerating his cognitive skills.
Kevin receives $820/month in benefits – Lesli cannot work as she must be there for Kevin 24/7. She gave up her job, and life as she once knew it to care for her son. In our conversation last night, she tried to be positive however, the financial worries, and the tremendous pressure of caring for Kevin is taking its toll. We need your assistance to help Lesli.
Operation American Pride, Inc. is seeking your assistance in helping us to help Lesli. Too many times we forget the wife, mother, and father; in general we forget to help the caregiver. Lesli is in dire need of some assistance. If your organization/company/group would organize a fund raising event in your area it would be greatly appreciated.
I am not putting a mark on the wall on how much we should raise, I am merely asking each of you to consider if your organization can and will make a donation to Kevin and his mother. Operation American Pride, Inc. will start this financial support with a donation of $250.00.
Donations can be made directly to Kevin and Lesli by check to: (Made payable to Lesli Kammerdiener)
Lesli Kammerdiener
12226 Abbey Park
San Antonio, TX 78249
Or you may go to our website and donate using PayPal; all funds received will go directly to Lesli and Kevin. Operation American Pride, Inc. operates with “zero” overhead as the overhead is paid out of my salary therefore, all funds received will benefit Kevin and his mother.
I pray that you can assist, Lesli is overwhelmed with caring for Kevin, she is becoming depressed and needs a helping hand, and we can take some of the worry and frustration away by offering her this support.
We cannot allow the many wife’s, mothers, fathers and others to go without help. They are heroes in their own right just as we believe our military servicemen and women are heroes for their service to our country.
God Bless you and thank you for your support of our military veterans.
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