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Operation Gift Cards helps wounded and injured troops at Walter Reed National Military Hospital located in Bethesda, Md.
The event started three years ago around Memorial Day. Stamford's Pat Buzzeo, a U.S. Army veteran, and Richard Kondub were talking about fishing and developed a contest to donate money raised to help wounded veterans.
They wanted an organization that gives the most to the veterans and Buzzeo came into contact with Al Meadows, an organizer of Operation Gift Cards. “When I heard that 100 percent of the donations go directly to our wounded warriors at Walter Reed Hospital it sounded like the organization the HYC Hooks for Heroes was looking to support,'' Buzzeo said.
In addition to 18 committee members, there were many other people involved in the planning and organizing of this event, including the captains of the fishing boats, local businesses, restaurants and hotels.
A little over 200 people attended the June fundraiser and they raised close to $11,000. However, it was more than just another fundraiser. The event also connected soldiers from World War II and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The veterans came together to thank one another for their service along with Stamford’s first responders.
Children and young adults also met wounded soldiers from Walter Reed and thanked them for their service. Two biplanes did a flyover at HYC and let out smoke to honor the veterans and a Vietnam era Huey UH1 flown by the Stratford Police Department hovered over the lagoon at one point as well. “Many of the Vietnam veterans remember hearing the sound of the rotors from afar when they were in the battlefield, which meant support was on the way and to get their wounded out,” Buzzeo said.
“It was all so good,'' Buzzeo added, "meeting the wounded warriors and some of their family members and young children that we brought up from Walter Reed Hospital. Seeing them having a good time despite what they have and are still enduring, whether it was the loss arm or leg or PTSD or other injuries both physical or mental. Some of them have been in the hospital for over two years and are still in rehab.”
Next year, they are planning on an even bigger, more successful event which is already in the planning stages. If you would like to get involved, please contact Buzzeo at 203-559-5205.
Robyn Blosio Bova is a Stamford native and a Realtor for Higgins Group.
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