Blogs

One of the interesting things about working as a community journalist is being able to witness grass-root success stories.

Tuesday evening the Milford-based  Delaware Community Appreciation Group hosted a fundraiser at the Greene Turtle in the Village of Five Points, Lewes.

Butch Elzey, a Milford businessman, started this non-profit organization about six years ago to help wounded soldiers returning to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

After garnering a lot of community support, Mr. Elzey got the powers-that-be to allow this group to host a Fathers Day barbecue in the courtyard outside the Mologne House on the center campus.

It was all volunteer, including a live rock ‘n roll band, The Movies.

That day was the start of an on-going effort and labor of love, and despite a recession, the support continues.

Walter Reed shut down and the veterans were moved to Bethesda Naval Medical Center, and another barbecue is planned for Fathers Day this year.

Meanwhile, after learning about individual veteran's needs and struggling with  bureaucratic red tape, the group’s efforts  focus more recently on Delaware veterans.

There was a strong show of support at Tuesday’s event as Milford's city manager, chief of police, several council members and many, many friends packed the restaurant.

I don’t have a tally from Butch yet, and there’s more to this story which I’ll leave for another blog.