Community Says 'Thank You' to Curtin

The flow of folks showing up in support of — a 21-year-old Wingdale resident who is recovering from severe injuries after a Feb. 15 explosion in Afghanistan — seemed never-ending at .

The turnout was exactly what organizers had anticipated. Pat Crowley, owner of the Brewster Hill General Store and a member of the , heard Curtin's story and wanted to help. 

"I had family in WWII and Vietnam," he said. "I was in the Air Force, and didn't do [any fighting], so this is my way of saying 'Thank You.'"

Crowley and dozens of others chatted and walked around during the all-day affair, which he and other firefighters planned. Great music, cheap food and lots of raffle prizes made for a steady flow of guests at the event, something that made retired Marine Matt Cable of Brewster proud.

“I’m here because it’s the proper thing to do,” he said.

As a member of the Leatherheads, an all-Marine motorcycle club with chapters across the country, Cable stressed the importance of lending a hand to soldiers coming home.

“Point them in the right direction. Set them up with the VA, a job, with any help that you can,” he said.

Curtin is currently re-learning how to walk and move about at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. The money raised Saturday is going to a fund to support Curtin and his mounting expenses. Those who were unable to attend the event can still donate online.