Monday, September 27, 2010

a COOL rally

Dalton and Dawnville, GA, two tight-knit communities, came together and rallied for one of their own, 24 year-old Sgt. Joey Jones who lost his legs this past August from a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

In Dawnville, Treasa West and Ginger Souther got together and with the blessing of event organizers renamed the annual Dawnville Day as "Joey Day." The annual event usually raises money for local athletic teams but the two thought it should focus on Sgt. Jones and his family. "Joey Day" featured horse rides, craft booths, a cake walk, and a dunk tank in hopes of raising enough money to build a handicap-accessible room in the Jones' home and to purchase Joey a specially modified pickup truck he can drive when he finally arrives home from months of multiple surgeries and intense physical therapy.

Just a few miles away, in Dalton, veterans, bikers, friends, and family stood outside near the local V.F.W (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post holding signs and buckets in hopes of receiving donations from passing motorists. Sgt. Jones' friend from childhood, Charles Heard, and Terry Owenby joined forces to organize the event in hopes of delivering the money personally to Joey and his family. Sgt. Jones' injuries hit close to home for Mr. Heard, "That it's somebody you know, it hits home and hurts everybody."

Here's to you residents of Dalton and Dawnville, Ga for rallying together to help a soldier, a friend, a family member, a hero, and a local resident return home with the honor and dignity he deserves-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the residents of Dalton and Dawnville, GA and their efforts to raise money for wounded soldier Sgt. Joey Jones?

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