Plaque to honor military to be erected at Firehouse Brew Company Restaurant
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ In May of this year Jane Hicks of the Firehouse Brew Company Restaurant had the pleasure of being introduced to a wonderful woman with an extraordinary cause. Julieann Najar is the founder of a St. Louis based non-profit organization called A Soldier's Wish List. A Soldier's Wish List was established to support our troops who are serving overseas.
The goal of her organization is to fulfill the wishes of our troops to the best of her ability. A Soldier's Wish Foundation has been organized to provide assistance to combat veterans in a time of need after their tour of duty. Applications and/or referrals will be strongly relied upon in deciding who is eligible for assistance. We will provide funding for the following: Short-term finances, transportation to and from medical facilities, rehabilitation/patient transfer devices for home (i.e. hoyer lift), prosthetic limbs, prescriptions, delinquent utility bills, home repairs/remodeling (i.e. wheelchair ramps), home health care, support groups, groceries, airline tickets, family outings, daycare costs and more.
Whether you are an individual or a corporation, there are many ways that you can help support our war veterans. The organization has volunteer opportunities available to host or staff fundraising events in different locations. You can also help by donating goods or services. If your business has a budget for community service, extra supplies, or employees willing to donate their time, we can match your donation with someone who is in need of your contribution. You can visit www.soldierswish.org for more information.
"This is her way of letting our brave troopers know we care about them and appreciate their sacrifices. From the second we began our conversation with Julieann we knew without doubt or hesitation that this was an organization we were meant to be a part of. With loved ones who have served in the armed forces this cause was one that hit close to home," said Jane Hicks, owner of Firehouse Brew.
On July 3 at 4:00 p.m., Julieann will be at the Firehouse Brew Company in?Steeleville to assist in the unveiling of the military honor wall. The honor wall will consist of a plaque that will be located on the exterior of the restaurant. The plaque will honor retired and active military members. Hicks stated that to purchase a plaque, individuals can call the Firehouse at 618-965-9111.
"Please join us on July 3rd to support our troops and honor our brave men and women in the Armed Forces," said Hicks.
No one wants war, but it is the circumstances we meet at the moment. Soldiers in combat are facing danger everyday to protect the freedoms we enjoy. To recognize our brave troops who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces is not only an honor but a privilege we look forward to. We want our troops to know whether we support this war or not; we support them and stand behind them 100 percent.
President John F. Kennedy said it best, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
The Firehouse Brew Company Restaurant was established on May 5, 2009. The road to rebirth of the old 1941 City Hall and Firehouse was by no means an easy task, but nothing that is worthwhile ever is. It began as a dream and quickly blossomed into a reality. Restoring this old brick building was a community labor of love that has created new-found friendships and beautiful memories throughout the year. Before the first nail was removed, the roof replaced, the stairs rebuilt, and the ruble hauled away we had a unique vision of how we wanted people to feel when they walked through the doors of our restored firehouse restaurant.
"We saw a place where you were embraced by charm, nostalgia, and warmth. Not only did we aspire to a gathering place of friends and family, but we sought after a business that would touch the hearts of everyone we came in contact with and in some way, big or small, give back to those who have deeply touched our hearts," said Hicks.