Veterans of Valor holds online auction for Bon Jovi Chicago concert package

Bon Jovi performs at the 'Celebrating Service' concert outside the 'Today Show' studios, November, 2009

In the Bon Jovi video ‘Superman Tonight’, Jon Bon Jovi and his band celebrate the Angels among us here on earth; the police, firemen, advocates for the homeless, teachers of troubled youth, volunteers who support the terminally ill, and of course, the country’s first line of defense for all things we cherish that are independent and free: America’s men and women in the military.

Himself a child of a Mother and Father who met and fell in love while serving in the Marines, Bon Jovi has been an advocate for the nation’s men and women in uniform, raising money through his charity—the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation---to help homeless Veteran’s, to playing concerts in appreciation and support of America’s soldier-hero’s like his ‘Celebration of Service’ concert outside the ‘Today Show’ studios in 2009.

So it’s not surprising then that in the ‘Superman Tonight’ video, Bon Jovi honored Sgt. Klay South (USMC, Ret.) by featuring him as one of the heros who work so hard to help others at great sacrifice to themselves. Bon Jovi fans around the world will remember Klay from the video; he was the soldier holding the sign that read, “I help other wounded soldiers”.

And indeed Klay does.

Veterans of Valor: founded by a solder, for soldiers

While serving America in the Iraq War, Cpl. South was clearing homes in Fallujah---the site of one of the most horrific firefights in the war---when he pushed through a door and was met by a chain-saw volley of enemy gunfire that tore through the right side of his face, and another round to his foot.

Since 2004, Klay has had 40 operations to repair his wounds; and because of his personal journey of service, injury and recovery, has been uniquely positioned to help others just like him in the military.

Thus was born Veterans of Valor.

Sgt. South founded the charity as a service to soldier’s and their families, assisting combat-wounded Veterans and their families by providing “unique items, services, and programs to meet their specific mental and physical needs throughout the entire healing process”.

Sgt. South sets the example himself, and brings his experience, strength and hope to military hospitals like the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and the Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

On each visit he brings a Veterans of Valor backpack for the wounded he visits, filled with items needed for their extended stays; and, takes the combat-wounded who are able to move about on outings to Dave and Buster's to share in restorative good times with family, friends, food, and the healing power of fun.

Sgt. South continues to grow the services offered by Veterans of Valor to include long-term mentorship programs for injured service members and their families, which number in the thousands during the decade America has been at war.

That’s why now Veterans of Valor is offering a very special opportunity for Bon Jovi fans to get involved in Sgt. South’s efforts. Veterans of Valor is holding an online auction to benefit it’s mission beginning July 5, 2010 and running through July 22, 2010.

According to their News Release dated July 1, 2010:

"Included in the package are:

•  2 VIP tickets to Bon Jovi with Special Guest Kid Rock at Soldier Field in Chicago, on Friday, July 30, 2010
•  Deluxe overnight accommodations downtown Chicago
•  Dinner before the concert
•  All transportation will be provided
•  Veterans of Valor adventure package (info provided to winners!)
   

Veterans of Valor is a 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to support the combat wounded soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The founder of VoV, Sgt Klay South (USMC, Retired) was severely wounded in Iraq in 2004. In 2007, he kicked off his non-profit and has been assisting the combat wounded ever since."

To bid on their auction, to make a donation or to request information, please visit them online at www.veteransofvalor.org

DISCLAIMER: Neither Bon Jovi, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, or Examiner.com or their business satellites are in any way affiliated with Veterans of Valor in any business manner, chartiable or otherwise; nor are any representations being made in this article either explicitly or implied.