Neil Duncan Benefit

Neil Duncan Benefit:

Army Sgt. Neil Duncan, from Maple Grove, MN, was severely injured in Afghanistan on December 5, 2005 when an improvised explosive device (IED) ripped through his Humvee. Neil was seriously wounded as a result of the explosion. He lost both of his legs, shattered his jaw, broke his elbow and hand, and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds. Within a week of the attack, Neil was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC where he began the long road of recovery.

Neil went through more than 20 surgeries, rigorous physical and occupational therapy along with dental reconstruction over the last 14 months at Walter Reed. However, through his mental/physical strength and determination, Neil has overcome this huge hurdle as he is now able to do things he was once able to enjoy.

Neil led a very independent and active lifestyle prior to being wounded so his goal is to regain that lifestyle--just in a new way! Learning to walk using his prosthetic legs, Neil took his first steps on February 6, 2006, just two months after the explosion. He participated in Soldier Ride where he hand cycled from Long Island to Washington, DC (over 500 miles!). Neil has even re-learned to do the things he loves--running and skiing. He has been a huge inspiration to those who love him as well as other wounded soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He motivates them and shows them that they can do whatever they want to do if they just put their mind into it.

Neil enlisted in the U.S. Army in the fall of 2002 and was assigned to the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed in Vicenza, Italy. During Neil's service with the Army, he was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq (8/03-6/04) and Afghanistan (4/05-12/05). Neil's goal is to resume his education as a full-time student upon completing his rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center later this spring.

As Neil will be coming home to Minnesota, his friends and family want to give him a proper welcome home and help him financially as he starts his new life as an independent person. A homecoming benefit to honor Neil and to express our sincere appreciation for his sacrifice and commitment to our country will be held. This benefit will include a silent auction, raffle, and cash donations as well as a chance for people to meet our hero. All proceeds will be used to help Neil build an independent life adapted to his specific needs--a handicap accessible house, a vehicle with adaptive equipment, etc.

THE BENEFIT
The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 2-6 p.m. at the American Legion in Osseo, Minnesota. It will be open to the public and seeks to raise money to help Neil make the difficult adjustments that lie ahead, such as buying a house and adapting it to his specific needs. The event is being organized primarily by Neil's parents, sister, and brother-in-law who are actively seeking contributions from the public as well as from private organizations who want to be a part of this noble cause.

All donations are welcomed. Both cash donations as well as donations for the silent auction are being requested. All contributions -big or small- will be gratefully appreciated. “We know that people live very busy and active lives. Anything ranging from a gift card to a coffee shop, to a round of golf at a golf course, even tickets to a special event will be a hit!” Minnesotans are saddened that Neil's life has taken such a dramatic turn as a result of the explosion, yet Neil's family is confident that Minnesotans' heartfelt compassion will be reflected in their generosity.


Thank you for your attention and support in honor of Sgt Neil Duncan-a real hero!