American Hero Fundraiser,

Sunday At Hot Shots

On Sunday, August 29, Hot Shots Grille will host a fundraiser for Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco.

On Easter Sunday 2009, a roadside bomb exploded under SPC Marrocco’s armored vehicle while he was making his way back to Forward Operating Base Summerall in Baiji, a town in northern Iraq. His was the last truck in a four-vehicle convoy on a routine mission escorting a group of soldiers from one base to another. While another soldier in that vehicle was killed and another wounded, the then-22-year old from Staten Island lost both of his arms and legs that day.

Since that time Specialist Marrocco has adapted to new legs, and in July was preparing for a double arm transplant. Several charities in and around Staten Island — including The Stephen Siller FDNY Children’s Foundation and Building Homes For Heroes — have been raising money to build Specialist Marrocco a wheelchair-accessible home. (Last weekend the actor Gary Sinise and his Lt Dan Band headlined a concert for the effort; the band’s name, of course, refers to the double amputee veteran of Vietnam portrayed by the actor in the film Forrest Gump.)

Despite his injuries and the potential for mental as well as physical worries, Specialist Marrocco is said to be an inspiration and source of strength for family, friends, and fellow wounded soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Hospital.

This weekend the efforts move into Newtown, where a fundraiser with a Hawaiian luau theme will continue to raise funds for Specialist Marrocco’s new home. The Siller Foundation and Building Homes For Heroes are involved in the local event, which will run from noon to 6 pm on Sunday.

Admission is $20, $10 for ages 12 and under, and includes a pig roast lunch, live music, and refreshments.

Hot Shots Grille, at 130 Mt Pleasant Road, can be reached for additional information at 203-270-3373.