Benefit to assist family
of severely wounded soldier

A benefit is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15 to support the family of U.S. Army Spc. 4 Kevin McCloskey, a 21-year-old Tacony man seriously injured in the war on terror in Afghanistan.
The benefit, organized by friends of the family, will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Glaziers Union Local 252 catering hall, 2980 Southampton Road.
Tickets are going fast. They cost $30 in advance or $40 at the door. The donation includes food, alcohol and soda. There will be a basket of cheer, door prizes and a silent auction.
Proceeds will pay for the expenses incurred by the McCloskey family during Kevin’s rehabilitation and return home.
Tickets are available at www.kevinmccloskeybenefit.org or the following bars: Paddy Whacks (9241 Roosevelt Blvd., 2711 Comly Road, 150 South St.); Three Monkeys Cafe (9645 James St.); Casper’s (3510 Cottman Ave.); and McGeehan’s (Cottman Avenue and Cottage Street).
McCloskey, a graduate of North Catholic High School, enlisted in the Army in June 2006. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in March of this year.
On June 8, he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), a roadside bomb placed on curbs and detonated when vehicles pass.
McCloskey, a Princeton Avenue resident, suffered massive injuries, mostly to the right side of his body. He had a broken pelvis, arm, wrist and collarbone, burns on his thigh, face and chest and shrapnel in his eye. Doctors had to amputate both legs below the knees.
He is recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He marked his 21st birthday while in the hospital. The soldier’s family — parents Tom and Joann and older siblings Michelle and Mike — have been by his bedside since his arrival at the hospital.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, send checks or money orders payable to Support Spc. 4 Kevin McCloskey Fund, 5135 Bleigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. Donations also can be dropped off at any Wachovia Bank branch.
To donate an auction item, write to items@kevinmccloskeybenefit.org ••