Hidden Heroes
Semper Fi philanthropy: Cookbook raises funds
By NANETTE WISER
Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005  |
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| Photo by NANETTE WISER |
| Decorated veteran and the recipient of three Purple Hearts, Allen Hayes with his wife Alice. |
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| Photo by NANETTE WISER |
| Wounded Warriors Foundation is selling “Serving America,” a cornucopia of recipes and folklore from military chefs, governors, senators, President’s wives, historical leaders as well as everyday folks. |
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BAY PINES – Nestled in a busy breezeway in Bay Pines VA Medical Center, four brave and humble Marine veterans in wheelchairs quietly gathered to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the Marine Corps on Nov. 10.
True to military tradition, it was all about raising arms – the helping hand kind – to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Foundation, a nonprofit organization that donates comfort items and financial support to military hospitals in the U.S. and abroad.
On sale was “Serving America,” a cornucopia of recipes and folklore lovingly collected by the Citrus County Republican Women from military chefs, governors, senators, President’s wives, historical leaders as well as everyday folks.
Decorated veteran and the recipient of three Purple Hearts, Allen Hayes, along with his wife Alice, led the mission to raise money and awareness of the difficult road to recovery faced by wounded soldiers.
“We honor the Marine Corps today as well as those hurt in the line of duty,” said Hayes, an orthopedic doctor who relocated from The Hamptons in Long Island to Clearwater two years ago. Hayes was a resident of Clearwater for a year before purchasing a home in Safety Harbor.
“We also want people to know that if an individual is physically challenged due to an injury, it doesn’t mean they can’t mainstream with the help of services such as those provided by the Wounded Warriors’ programs.”
Thursday’s fundraiser was one of the many charitable acts Hayes and his Semper Fi gang conduct as advocates for the physically challenged. A U.S. Marine captain and intelligence officer, Hayes lost both legs above the knees and seven fingers in Vietnam and is a testimony to the “can do” attitude.
In addition to 28 years of as an orthopedic sports medicine doctor, Hayes is an avid sailor (he was the chief medical officer and crew member of Ted Turner’s Courageous, two-time winner of the America’s Cup) and award-winning skier who in 1985 was awarded the Presidential Recognition Award at the White House from President Reagan.
Hayes, Ron Marrocco and colleague Leo R. (Bob) Fair work closely with the V.A. and other groups, taking them sailing and running support groups such as ACES (Amputees for Communication, Education and Support) on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Bay Pines from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Just this July, ACES raised $18,000 from a car show at the Clearwater YMCA and a winter ski carnival boasted 17 participants out of the Bay Pines group thanks to their efforts.
In between selling cookbooks and chatting with fellow doctors and veterans, Hayes topped off the afternoon by presenting Charlie Marts (USMC 1950-1954) with a plaque commemorating his service in Korea.
”The Marines are always first in, and first to go,” said Hayes. “This award is for you and for all of those that didn’t make it home.”
People interested in purchasing a copy of the “Serving America” cookbook can e-mail Hayes at sailinghayes@aol.com.
Visit www.woundedwarriors.org or www.marines.com.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005
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