Binghamton VETS4VETS Benefit Welcomes Former BU Graduate

VETS4VETS is an all day event to raise money to help our wounded American soldiers. The event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Binghamton's Post 1645 on Robinson Street. The day benefits a very good cause, the Wounded Warrior Project.

There's a full day of events planned including Keynote Speaker, Afganistan combat veteran Kevin O'Reilly.  Cmdr O'Reilly is the Company Commander of the 827th Engineering Company in the 204th Army National Guard Engineering Battalion. He is a graduate of the Watson School of Mechanical Engineering at Binghamton University. He has been deployed to Afganistan where he led the company in building roads, buildings, and battle positions.

His presentation will describe his experiences while deployed in Afganistan, the issues of returning Vets, and how his education at Binghamton University, service in the military, and current employment at Universal Instruments have intertwined.  Commander O'Reilly's presentation will be followed by a spaghetti and meatball with beverages dinner ($10) and musical entertainment.

A big chicken BBQ is planned Saturday morning at 11 in the Post parking lot. Cost $8 for full meal with beverage. American Legion Riders “Ride In” at 11AM ($20 includes dinner and beverage). At noon the riders will assemble for a police escorted parade from the post parking lot down Court and Main St to the Binghamton / JC line. This is open to all riders.

Hounds Helping Hounds Demonstrations Saturday at 1, 2 and 3 PM in the post hall. (No charge). Many returning veteran are suffering with various problems adjusting to civilian life. These demonstrations will have a vet with his companion dog. The demonstrations will give the attendees insight how important these companion dogs are in improving a vet’s life.Review of baskets, raffles and give prizes all day in the hall. (No charge for hall entry)

All events are open to the public. The overall goal of this event will be to provide maximum financial assistance to the WWP and make the community aware of the commitment to service of our Vets as they have come back from war.