Tony & Nick’s Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Ave., supported the Michael Strange Foundation on Saturday in honor of Armed Forces Day.
All proceeds from sides and drinks purchased from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. were donated to the Michael Strange Foundation, which assists Gold Star families in their grieving process by providing unconditional support and services by professionals in several fields, and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin.
Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died on Aug. 6, 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25 and was among 30 Americans killed.
“I lost a piece of my heart that day,” said Charlie Strange, Michael’s dad.
Strange wrote a book and established the Michael Strange Foundation, which has held 15 workshops for more than 400 Gold Star families. There are a series of activities to help in the healing process. All meals, travel and lodging are paid for.
“Just pack your bag,” Strange said.
Strange and other Gold Star families say the work of the foundation is needed.
“Every day is Memorial Day for us,” said Jim Kuhn.
Kuhn, of Parkwood, lost his son Devin in 2018 at Camp Rilea in Oregon when another soldier’s gun inadvertently fired while that soldier was practicing loading a firearm.
Gold Star families appreciate the work of the foundation.
“It helped me a lot, believe me,” Kuhn said.
Pat and Amy Moore lost his son, Benjamin, an Army specialist, in January 2011 in Afghanistan, and is glad the foundation remembers the fallen and their families.
“If we forget the name,” Moore said, “we fail as a society.”
Bill Lintner, a 1986 North Catholic graduate, was serving in the Army in Afghanistan when Michael Strange died. He helped transfer his body from Bagram Airfield to Dover. He remains a supporter of the foundation for its focus on Gold Star families.
“Their story never ends,” he said.
At Saturday’s fundraiser, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets presented the colors for the Star-Spangled Banner.
Strange, joined by his children Chaz and Carly, thanked Nicky Luke for hosting the fundraiser and for giving space to two displays (soon to be three) honoring Michael Strange and others who’ve given their lives. ••
For more information, visit MichaelStrangeFoundation.org
Donations can be sent through Venmo @michael_strange_foundation
