6th Annual Operation Yellow Ribbon Picnic for military/vets/families

Sixth Annual Picnic to Honor Military Families – Sept. 23

There are too many stories to tell over the past 16 years of fighting for our freedoms. David
Denhardt’s story is close to home here in Michigan. While serving our country he was struck by a
rocket that was launched at his platoon and landed 30 feet away from him, launching him 90 feet
into the air and he came falling straight down onto his head. He suffered from injuries to his head,
neck and left arm, PSTD, traumatic brain injury, memory loss, ear drum destroyed – which caused
frequent dizziness and lack of balance, little use of his left hand due to numbness throughout his
left arm; and the surgical removal of a portion of his left collar bone.
Recovery was hard and long and the medical bills piled up, even though some of his care was
through the VA. A non-profit organization in Fenton managed to get him a service dog, and
Jennifer, his wife, took off from her job as a nurse for six months to take care of him. The
financial burden of these medical bills and countless therapy sessions continued to accumulate.
Peggy Ann Kralik and Toni Deaton, Directors with Operation Yellow Ribbon, met David, Jennifer
and service dog “Tank” at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base air show in 2014. He was in a
wheelchair. Peggy invited him to the picnic they had coming up that year. He and his wife and
daughter attended, and he spoke to the group of military family members about his experience.
Early in 2015, Operation Yellow Ribbon had a special fundraiser for David – a spaghetti dinner.
Not only did it raise funds to help with his medical bills, but the Realtor who was also a director at
the time, partnered with a mortgage officer and got them a house with no out-of-pocket costs. He
was again a speaker at our picnic on September 19, 2015 – and he was standing more and more –
out of the wheel chair. We are glad to report that David Denhardt continues to improve. He will be
speaking again at our picnic this year.
Peggy Ann Kralik, founder, said: “It is a privilege to serve the needs of our military families. We
are an all-volunteer organization, and sometimes spend not only our time, but our own out-ofpocket
money to do what we can to make their lives a little easier – like pay an electric bill that is
ready to be shut off. No red tape – immediate response in emergencies. Most of the families are
referred to us through connections with Selfridge Air National Guard base and/or other
organizations. We have also partnered with churches and businesses to provide Christmas gifts
to SANG family children.”
This year our picnic will be held on September 23, 2017 from 11:00am to 3pm at the DAV #129 hall
on Dequindre, just north of Auburn Road in Shelby Township. Not only is this event an
opportunity to honor our active duty and veteran military members and their families, but, as in
years past, it is also a fundraiser. Local businesses purchase the tickets to be used by military
family members – the event is free to our military families. American House brought two
gentlemen who were in WWII last year. There is a picnic lunch at noon plus games and prizes for
the children starting at 11:00am; facepainting, and for the first time: a DJ who will teach those who
want to learn how to line dance. Door prizes will be awarded to the attendees, and the usual 50/50
raffle will be available.
Operation Yellow Ribbon is a volunteer-supported charity with no administrative fees. 100% of
the proceeds will be going to this deserving organization. You may also contact Peggy Ann Kralik
for additional information on future events this year at 248.425.2722. Call for tickets, or to let us
know about any military family member who should be invited.