The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photo by Ted Waddell

[MONTICELLO] – It all started with a photograph, a haunting image that spoke of the pain and suffering that war leaves in its bloody wake. Not one of those iconic classic images by Roger Fenton, Matthew Brady and crew, James Nachtwey, Robert Capa, Carl Mydens, Henri Huet, Larry Burrows and Eddie Adams, but a front page picture by AP award winning photographer Michele Haskel, a staff shooter for the Times Herald Record.

Taken the day after the wife of Lt. Louis Allen of Chester, NY and the mother of four, learned that her beloved husband had been killed on June 7, 2005 in an explosion at a military compound in Tikrit, Iraq, Haskel took a picture of the grief stricken survivor. 1st Lieutenant Allen served with the 42nd Infantry Division of the Army National Guard.

“I held onto that newspaper for three weeks, you know how something just haunts you…I knew I had to do something,” recalled Ray McCarthy, founding president of The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans. “It was a picture of immeasurable loss and suffering…it kept me up at night,” he added, continuing, “Soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice also sacrifice the lives of their families. Isn’t there something we can all do to help?”

So in short order, a group of volunteers joined the local entrepreneur and café owner in establishing a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for Mid-Hudson area families of soldiers killed or wounded during overseas service in Iraq or Afghanistan.

A roll call of those who gave their all to protect those left at home (as of 9-23-09): Anthony Kaiser, Carlos Gonzalez, Eugene Williams, Jonathan Cadavero, Brian Pavlich, Catalin Dima, Irving Medina, Joseph Tremblay, Brian Parrello, Doron Chan, Jacob W.  Beisel, Ken VonRonn, Louis Allen, Phillip Esposito, Mark H. Dooley, Michael Oremus, John McKenna, Mark Palimateer, Justin Whiting, and Ashly Lynn Moyer.

During 2007, the ad hoc group raised over $17,000 at its first event, a King and Queen Gala at Monticello Gaming and Raceway.

As September 2009 draws to a close, The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans has raised more than $65,000, due in large part to Thunder Country 102 Radio’s recent radiothon, “Home of the Free Because of the Brave!,” and the sale /sponsorship of tee-shirts, featuring a pair of eagles feeding a pair of eaglets nestled in an upside down battle helmet.

“This has been a great year for us, and we’re going to be able to add a number of families that need help,” said McCarthy.

The second annual radiothon is scheduled to be held next August at The Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY.

McCarthy added that the 18 ShopRites in the valley kicked in more than $40,000 during the event.

“I am proud to support The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans,” said Michael A. Schiff, Sheriff of Sullivan County. “This is an organization of all volunteers dedicated to assisting families in the Hudson Valley area who have lost loved ones in the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts…I find their dedication and hard work impressive.”

The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans is made up of “just regular people”, including Jonathan Hyman, a local photographer who documented 9-11-2001, a farmer and a psychoanalyst, who donates her serves helping grieving family members.

“Friends of the Committee” include NYS Senator John J. Bonacic, NYS Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther, Sullivan County Legislator Ron Hiatt, and Eric J. Chaboty, Sullivan County Undersheriff.

A 70-year old county resident hand crocheted a 15-foot by 18-foot American Flag, a symbol of our nation’s freedom that resides at the Sullivan Airport, home of McCarthy’s Cup & Saucer Café’.

McCarthy stressed that the group has no political ties or agendas, and all monies raised (less event costs) are distributed equitably among the families left behind, “There’s no salaries, period…we have absolutely zero folks on payroll.”

In September, they are starting a job program to help vets find a job after they return from a 16 month overseas tour serving their country in combat zones.

“They get home and there’s no work, they’re behind the eight ball,” said McCarthy.

What can you do to help? Become a sponsor, take out an ad, donate goods and services, volunteer, or write out a check to Sullivan County Airport Festival (SCAF), 65 Liberty Street, Monticello, NY 12701.

The group started out calling themselves the SCAF, but soon shortened the title to The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans. Speaking of volunteers, the committee is looking for someone with a secretarial background.

“I just love this country and the freedom,” said McCarthy, who as an entrepreneur spent 45-some years on the road as a restaurant consultant, visiting such places as Cambodia and “close to Russia. The American people are the greatest folks, and those are our kids over there…we’re never going to forget these veterans and their families as long as our organization is in existence.”

For more information about The Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans, call Ray McCarthy 845-794-0060, write the SCAP, 65Liberty Street, Monticello, NY 12701 or visit their website www.familiesofwarvets.org .

To view more photos or to purchase prints from Remembering Those Who Gave Their All visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.