By John Burton
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Warriors sometimes need angels to look out for them.
That is what Patricia Malloy believes, so she and five other women now conduct an annual benefit to help returning veterans with some of the financial challenges they may find as they re-enter civilian life.
Malloy, who co-owns Neil Michael’s Steakhouse at 965 state Highway 36 with her husband Neil Malloy, has been working for three years with the other two women to hold a fundraiser, called the Angel Warrior Benefit, to assist some area veterans.
This year’s event, which will be held from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, at Neil Michael’s, is sold out but Malloy’s group is continuing to accept donations.
The Angel Warrior organization has applied for 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, tax-exempt status, which is still pending, according to Malloy.
The benefit – as in years past – will assist two Monmouth County veterans, who have not been named.
The vets were selected with the assistance of the New Jersey Veterans Administration. Along with offering assistance to returning soldiers, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, Malloy said.
Malloy started the project as a way, in part, to honor the memory of her son, Michael Breen, a former U.S. Marine, who served in Iraq and who later died at age 27 in 2011. “I was trying to find a purpose for my own life” at that time, she said.
The event also was a way of “trying to help get two local boys back on their feet,” as well as offering support for an organization helps wounded servicemen and women, she said.
Shortly after she started planning the initial fundraiser, Malloy said, she met Debby Dailey. Dailey’s son, James J. Veth Jr., had been a Marine and served in Iraq, and has since passed away, as well. The two soon began collaborating on organizing the event.
Kathleen Goodman, a Highlands resident, was the first to buy a ticket to that benefit, Malloy said. Goodman’s husband, Edward, had been a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam. He died last year, Goodman said. A fourth of what would be a total of six members of their Warrior Angel group is Jean Phair, whose late son, Sean Kuehl, served as a Marine in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
All four women acknowledged their loved ones faced challenges transitioning from military duty and hoped to help others return to their lives.
“We lost our loved ones,” Phair said, but, but it’s nice to see these young people who will be helped.”
“Just being in their presence makes me feel good,” offered Dailey.
The veterans are asked to appear in person, with their family members and in uniform, giving everyone in attendance a chance to meet them, Malloy said.
The first year’s event raised about $4,000; the second year approximately $8,000. “This year we’re shooting for $10,000,” Malloy said.
What’s great about the event, along with raising the money that goes directly into the hands of the veterans and their families, Dailey said. “Everybody is so happy,” having such a good time.
Malloy said she’ll continue on her mission of helping, hosting the annual event. “It’ll always be here,” she said.
