In a show of support for local Army National Guardsman Lucas Schmitz, the Oak Ridge Boys donned his support t-shirts while they were at the Minnesota State Fair.
This is just one example of the immense support the Schmitz family is receiving during this challenging time.
A 2003 graduate of Perham High School, Luke was seriously wounded in late July while serving in Iraq. He continues to heal in San Antonio where he was discharged from the hospital Sept. 1.
On Sunday, Sept. 3, Luke had to return to the hospital where he was given two more units of blood. The doctors believe he is having difficulty making red blood cells, but his body is still producing them. He was released from the hospital again and his doctors plan on checking him and giving him refills as an outpatient so he does not need to stay in the hospital for extended periods of time.
Luke and his family were amazed at all of the effort put into the benefit dinner and auction held on Luke's behalf. The event was held on Sept. 3 at the Frazee Restaurant and Bar where 327 meals were served. All proceeds went to the Schmitz family.
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According to Greg Schmitz, who helped organize the event, it was a great success. The auction went very well, with some people donating large auction items at the last minute.
Donors were extremely generous, giving away items including a lasik eye surgery, a 7-day family vacation and seats for the Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild game. There were 105 items auctioned off at the event. One bidder won a stainless steel rifle donated by a Battle Lake man who served with Luke in Iraq. Upon winning the rifle, the winner returned it the man who donated it. The event raised just over $13,000.
The yellow ribbon campaign continues in Perham, and ribbons can be picked up at Phelp's Family Ford--with any freewill donations going directly to the family. The ribbon materials were donated by Jim Smith, Kenny Nelson, Kevin Phelps and Dave Niesen.
The following is a recent excerpt from an online journal created to keep people posted about Luke's recovery. For updates on his progress, visit the caringbridge.org website and type in lucasschmitz.
MONDAY, SEPT. 4
Well how do we thank a whole community...including friends, neighbors, relatives, and complete strangers? It seems inadequate to just say "thanks" and we feel somewhat helpless down here in San Antonio. What a great effort made by so many loving people.
... We all retired to our rooms and talked about the benefit/dinner auction that was still in progress in Frazee. With updates throughout the evening we got bits and pieces of information.
Luke was totally in awe. He kept asking, "Why are they doing this?" There were a lot of tears and hugs, lots of emotion. We wish we could hug all of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
