Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 117, No. 32	August 12, 2009

Wounded soldiers picnic held at Camp Carlson

Photos by Vickey Carwile
Approximately 175 soldiers and their families attended the second annual picnic for wounded soldiers at Camp Carlson on Aug. 7. The event is sponsored by a nonprofit organization called, “Heroes Night Out.” In the photo above, those attending the event enjoyed a catered meal.

By VICKEY CARWILE
Messenger Staff

A very special event was held Aug. 7, at Camp Carlson on U.S. 60 – the second annual picnic for wounded soldiers. The event was coordinated by retired Army Sgt. Glen Clark and Beth Henninger, of the Kentucky Society of Associated Executives. It was held in honor of approximately 175 wounded military men and women and their families. Many of these soldiers suffer from nonvisible injuries such as TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), as well as physical injuries.
After the sponsorships for the picnic fell through, several people and organizations came together to make the event possible. Radio show host Francine, of 84-WHAS, put out a call to listeners. Rep. Jeff Greer was contacted and purchased 200 soft drinks for the occasion. “I’m truly impressed how they put it together so quickly,” he said.

The Associated General Contractors of Kentucky catered a large meal, with the assistance of the Kentucky Construction Industry. There was plenty of good food and fellowship and those who participated enjoyed games such as volleyball, frizbee and horseshoes. Louisville comedians Mike Armstrong and Tim Wilson made an appearance and provided humor and lots of laughs.
The picnics are sponsored by Heroes Night Out. The first picnic was held in 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.

Sgt. Michael Clark, Fort Hood, Texas, lost his left leg in 2008, after an RPG struck the vehicle he was in during a tour of duty in Iraq. He is seen here on his segway at the picnic.

Heroes Night Out is a nonprofit organization that provides wounded military personnel and their families with or a complimentary dinner, a day or night at a sporting event, or amusement park. The soldiers are given a wallet containing up to six $50 gift cards.

Wes and Judy Pierce, Austin, Texas, are the founders of Heroes Night Out. The couple have 12 children – eight were adopted, of which seven were special needs children. When three of their sons – Tim, Troy and Jeremy – enlisted in the Army, the Pierces befriended the boys’ recruiter, Sgt. Michael Clark. In 2008, Sgt. Clark was hit by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), while serving in Iraq. After several surgeries, doctors were forced to amputate his left leg.

Wes and Judy made several trips to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, to visit Sgt. Clark and other wounded soldiers. It was then they decided they wanted to do something for soldiers who were wounded in the line of duty. They wanted to give military families a break from the everyday routine of surgeries, therapy and rehabilitation.

“They just need a break from the everyday routine,” explained the Pierces, “a night out. A little fresh air and no hospital.” Thus, Heroes Night Out was born.

Sgt. Clark attended the picnic at Camp Carlson, along with his wife, Jessica. The Clarks live in Fort Hood, Texas, and have two children – Michael Jr., 7, and Breaunna, 14.
Spc. Allen Ashbrook, Morgantown, Ind., is with the 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company. He has a chronic hyperactive nerve condition as a result of a training accident in Germany. The younger soldier now walks with a cane.

“It’s really hard,” he said, “I can’t do a lot. I can’t even play with my kids.” Spc. Ashbrook and his wife, Angela, have two children – Alana, 4, and Cadence, 16 months. “This is really great,” Spc. Ashbrook said of the event, “it’s good for the soldiers and good to get outside.”
Lt. Col. Gary Travis, commander of Warrior Transition Battalion, praised the event and his soldiers, “I think it’s awesome, just awesome,” he said. “These guys are so deserving. They take care of everyone else. It’s a blessing to be able to lead them.”

For more information about Heroes Night Out, or to donate to the cause, go to the Web site at www.HeroesNightOut.org, e-mail donate@heroesnightout.org, or write to Heroes Night Out, 603 South Lynnwood Trail, Cedar Park, Texas 78613.

Rep. Jeff Greer, center, speaks with event coordinator, Beth Henninger of the Kentucky Society of Associated Executives (left) and Lt. Col. Gary Travis.

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