Seeking home aid for Agent Orange victim

The Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 and Men's Auxiliary have undertaken a project to help one of their members. They are reaching out to the community for assistance.

Randall "Skeeter" Kucharski served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army infantry from 1970-71.

During his tour of duty, he was exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical that was proven to cause diabetes and other diseases in the soldiers exposed to it.

Skeeter developed diabetes in 2005 and was almost immediately crippled by a severe stroke that disabled him nearly completely. He cannot walk without assistance and often requires the use of a wheelchair. His bedroom is on the second floor.

Every night Skeeter must try to ascend the stairs to get to his bedroom and descend the stairs in the morning. This requires his wife or another family member to help him and prevent his falling.

The Elgin VFW Post and Men's Auxiliary are assembling volunteers of all trades and talents to build an addition to the Kucharski home to provide a first-floor bedroom for Skeeter with handicapped accessibility.

The post is asking members of the business community for donations of building materials or cash donations to make this a reality. They hope to break ground in May.

All donations to this effort will be recognized with a letter confirming your generosity that may be used as proof of your charitable donation for tax purposes. This is a nonprofit project by Skeeter's friends and comrades.

If you are able to help, call VFW chaplain Doc Sheehan at (847) 921-0449. All calls will be returned promptly.

Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Randall Kucharski Benefit Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, 1645 Larkin Ave., Elgin, IL 60123, Attn: Barbara Lopez.

Barbara Lopez

VFW Post 1307

Elgin