In an effort to support area military families, the Kane County Young Republicans raised over $3000 Monday night for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Mark Vargas, president of the Kane County Young Republicans, said he was disgusted when he heard about war protestors conducting 12-hr hunger strikes, and wanted to show support for our soldiers fighting the war on terror.
"When Cindy Sheahan and her Hollywood friends were all over the news, I thought there needed to be a response, so we came up with the idea to feast for our troops," Vargas, 25, said Monday night. "All the money raised at this event will go to help TAPS."
Several local politicians, including State Senators Steve Rauschenberger and Chris Lauzen as well as GOP State Central Committeeman Denny Wiggins and Kane County Recorder of Deeds Sandy Wegman, dropped in to support the Young Republicans' cause.
Kelly Hazlett, widowed ten years ago when her 29 year old husband was killed flying maneuvers in an F-18, said she knows firsthand how much support military families need, especially when they lose loved ones while serving their country.
"The Chicago area is not military-minded, and most people don't understand the military life," she said. "While your husband's away, military wives band together. When you lose your connection to those women, you lose your support system. I understand that, and know well how hard it is to go through losing a loved one in the military."
Hazlett has since remarried, but continues to head the McHenry County branch of TAPS. She said she has counseled with several Illinois families who have lost loved ones in Iraq.
"On behalf of those families, thank you for your support and encouragement. This is not a political effort. We need to support all who've given so much for their country," she told the crowd.
TAPS provides grief and trauma information, caseworker assistance, a chat room for support and a 24 hour information line (1-800-959-TAPS). For more information and to make a donation, go to www.TAPS.org.
Kane County Young Republican's President Mark Vargas visits with TAPS' rep Kelly Hazlett Monday night.
