When Jerry O’Boyle of Nappanee heard the statistic stating 22 veterans committed suicide per day, he was shocked. Despite having an uncle who took his own life, which the family partially attributed to his time serving in Vietnam, O’Boyle was alarmed at the high number. In response, he felt called to do something to help veterans acclimate back into a more normal and productive civilian life.

“I have friends who have served in the military and had difficulty acclimating back into everyday life,” said O’Boyle. “I’m really a pacifist myself, but those who protect everyone, including myself, are important to me.”

With the help of local American Legion Post 154, O’Boyle has organized a benefit to support the Home for Wounded Warriors Program. The mission of that organization is to provide special designed new or remodeled homes to seriously wounded veterans (post 9/11), in order to improve their quality of life and ensure these veterans are not forgotten, but can continue on with normal and productive lives.

The benefit will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Armed Forces Day, at the Nappanee Welcome Center, 302 W. Market St. Free admission, as well as free snacks and prizes (while supplies last), will welcome attendees who can shop at various vendor booths. Among the booths will be O’Boyle’s home-based business called Celebrating Home, which offers home decor and supplies. Proceeds from vendors go to the Wounded Warriors Program.

There will be live entertainment, including comedians and musicians, throughout the day.

Those who make purchases at the event will be entered into drawings for various prizes, including two-day tickets to the WFRN Friend Fest in Nappanee and Amish Acres dinner/theater passes.

For more information, or to get involved, call O’Boyle at 574-265-1291 or email [email protected].