Soldier no one expected to survive helps host fundraiser for veterans
In one fluke military accident, Gabe Garriga watched everything he and his family had go up in flames - almost even his life.
Garriga, originally from Aurora, joined the Illinois National Guard right out of high school in 2002. America was already at war at that point. As a member of the military police, Garriga knew he'd likely be deployed.
Those marching orders came in 2003 when he shipped out to Iraq. On patrol, Garriga was manning the gun turret as his Humvee headed out to a relay station. On the way, an unauthorized vehicle blew past the main gate at a checkpoint, sending Garriga and his unit in pursuit. In the process, Garriga's Humvee collided with the vehicle in front of him. It had fuel tanks strapped to the back end.
Garriga was flung out of the turret on impact. As the fuel tanks exploded, he was launched into the flames. Nearly half his body was burned. He lost parts of his large and small intestines. Doctors gave him a 1 percent chance of survival when he landed at a veterans hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
His parents abandoned their home and lives in Rochelle to stay by his side. Two years and 30 surgeries later, Garriga was a survivor, but destitute.
"We had some things from the house in storage and a little apartment, but we basically were just starting from scratch all over again," Garriga said.
That's when a couple organizations stepped up to fill Garriga's needs. One of them was the Wounded Heroes Foundation, a Chicago-based not-for-profit that assists severely injured military personnel returning home from war.
The organization helped Garriga get his veterans benefits on track and find a low-cost home in Zion for him and his family to move into. On Saturday, Garriga will do his part to return the favor.
Garriga and other local injured veterans will appear at the St. Charles VFW to hold a fundraiser for the Wounded Heroes Foundation. There will be live music and a silent auction and raffles, but the main event is the "Heart of American Bike Run."
Last year's event drew more than 350 people and raised about $20,000 to help veterans with their medical and living expenses.
"We're hosting this because we want to, and it's our passion," said Sue Williams, a St. Charles VFW volunteer. "It's not just a bike run. It's a gathering of people who are stepping up to the plate to do the right thing. Once you meet these veterans, there's no turning back. They just steal your heart."
Cyclists should arrive at the VFW post by 2 p.m. Saturday. Food and entertainment follow the ride at 6 p.m. The St. Charles VFW Post is at 119 N. Third St. in St. Charles. For details, call Amy Jorgensen at (630) 377-9845.