Recently the Cadets of Victory Forge Military Academy participated in a fundraiser for an injured Soldier from here on the Treasure Coast. On September 1, 2007, Pip's Tiki Grille in Jensen Beach held a fundraiser for Staff Sergeant Stephen Valyou who was paralyzed by a sniper's bullet while serving in Iraq. The folks at Tiki wanted to raise a couple thousand dollars to purchase SSG valyou a special all terrain wheelchair.

According to Colonel Weierman, "when the cadets heard about Staff Sergeant Valyou's needs they immediately wanted to do something to help".

And help they did. They took their 1965 UH-1 "Huey" Helicopter as well as a dog tag machine and went to the event.

Throughout the night, the cadets sold pictures in the helicopter as well as dog tags, raising over four hundred dollars on their own. "We are proud of the cadets and their desire to give back to one of today's heroes" added Colonel Michael Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Victory Forge. Another Board Member, Paul Hiott, said" When I see these boys getting excited about helping someone else, it tells me that the program that Victory Forge is providing is really working."

The event was extremely successful, in fact raising over fifteen thousand dollars for SSG Valyou and his family.

" Cadets for Vets" is a community service outreach program of Victory Forge Military Academy, a not for profit organization based in Port St. Lucie Fl. 'Cadets for Vets' works closely with local veteran associations, service organizations and councils to help area Veterans who may have a challenge getting something done. From clearing debris after a storm to mowing the lawn or handing out aid, the Cadets at Victory Forge are dedicated to giving back to the men and women who have served our nation.

If you know of a Veteran or a family of an active duty serviceman/woman who is currently deployed, please contact Col. Weierman at Victory Forge Military Academy for consideration. Col. Weierman may be reached at 772-879-7181, alweierman@aol.com or Inez Frid at 772-370-4571, inezfrid@bellsouth.net.