Kesslie J. Minney, before and after "Going Wild"
Retired US Army First Sergeant Kesslie Jr. (Buddy) Minney reached his goal for the Wounded Warriors program.
Minney, a member of Grantsville VFW Post 5959 and Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach, is saying "Thanks to families, friends, supporters, the Hur Herald, and the Glenville Pathfinder for their time, effort, generosity and support toward making 'Gone Wild' in support of Wounded Warriors a great success."
Minney has served two tours in Iraq.
During a meeting last November with the National Commander of the VFW and state VFW officers, a fundraiser for the 'Wounded Warriors' was discussed.
It was decided that hair and beards would be cut for fundraising monies during the state VFW Convention, June 16-19 in Huntington.
"I personally could not resist the challenge. At that very time I committed myself to help raise funds for the soldiers. I have not cut my hair or beard since. Always having a military cut, this was different for me," Minney said before the convention.
In exchange for kindness and donations of over $4,500 dollars, Minney went completely bald and clean-shaven at the convention.
Minney would also like to thank John Peters for designing and Karen Badgett for helping put a quilt together (pictured above) that was raffled during the fundraising event. Mose Chadwell was the raffle winner.
"Through your donations, the VFW and the Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Program (a strictly a volunteer group) will take wounded soldiers out of hospitals on hunting, fishing, golfing trips, and other ventures, with all expenses paid," he said.
"Without a doubt it was quite a challenge, yet not near the challenge some wounded soldiers face each day. Some of these soldiers have been hospitalized for a year or more."
"As you face life's challenges, are you doing it on both legs, reaching out with both arms, and able to see and hear what's in front of you?" Minney asked.
"Many of our soldiers cannot do that," he concluded.
Donations to the Wounded Warrior project may be sent to Kesslie J. Minney, PO Box 33, Glenville WV 26351.
| 
