Coach Dick Vermeil and Chester County Hero Fund to Host Benefit
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Coach Dick Vermeil and Chester County Hero Fund to Host Benefit
Coach Dick Vermeil and Chester County Hero Fund to Host Benefit for Local Serviceman Jay Raffetto, Navy Corpsman, was injured in Afghanistan MEDIA CONTACT: Bill McCusker (215) 981-4227 [email protected] BERWYN – January 6, 2011 – Former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil and the Chester County Hero Fund have teamed up in support of Jay Raffetto, a young Navy Corpsman who was seriously injured in Afghanistan late last year. The announcement was made by Jon Kane, an attorney with law firm Pepper Hamilton and a Vietnam War veteran. “We are pleased to announce that Coach Vermeil will be hosting a wine tasting of his vineyard’s wines on February 24, 2011, at Aneu (Meredith’s Bistro) in Berwyn, to raise funds for the Chester County Hero’s Fund and Corpsman Raffetto,” said Kane. “This brave warrior has sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom, and now he needs our help.” On August 5th, Raffetto was seriously injured in an IED (improvised explosive device) explosion in Afghanistan. He lost both legs above the knee, his left arm above the elbow and three fingers on his right hand. He faces a long road to recovery and is currently working on his rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he and his wife Emily go to therapy twice a day. Raffetto grew up in Chester County and his family lives in Devon. He attended Tredyffrin/Easttown schools and graduated from Conestoga High School. He volunteered not only to become a Corpsman, but to go through the arduous training necessary to become a Special Amphibious Marine Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC), a highly elite team that provides advanced trauma management for its wounded comrades. Raffetto was one of a handful to successfully complete that training and was serving with the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion when he was wounded. Dr. Robert Priem, the Raffetto family physician, said that the military has a strong support system that assists wounded warriors with rehabilitation and occupational therapy and training. “Still,” said Dr. Priem, “Corpsman Raffetto and his wife face a lifetime of physical, economic and emotional challenges.” “That’s why we’re not hesitant to ask local individuals and companies to lend their generous financial support to Corpsman Raffetto,” said John DiBuonaventuro, President of the Chester County Hero Fund and who, along with Kane and Priem, is a member of the Steering Committee planning the special event with Coach Vermeil. “We are honored that a Super Bowl winner and two-time NFL Coach of the Year is part of our team helping Corpsman Raffetto,” DiBuonaventuro added. Kane explained that a minimum donation of $200 will be needed to attend the wine tasting event, though the Steering Committee would be happy to accept a lot more from those who can help further. He added that those who cannot attend the event are still urged to lend their support to an outstanding cause. DiBuonaventuro directed those interested in supporting Corpsman Raffetto to the Chester County Hero Fund website at http://chestercountyherofund.com/. “This young man has already given more than we will ever be able to repay,” he said. “However, we can all help make the path to recovery for this valiant young man and his family a little easier.” About the Chester County Hero Fund The Chester County Hero Fund is the nonprofit organization that is assisting with fundraising to aid Corpsman Raffetto in his recovery.