Originally named the Sullivan County Festival Committee, the Committee for the Families of Iraqi War Veterans was founded in response to a photograph appearing in the Times Herald Record of the family—wife and four children--of First Lieutenant Louis Allen, a soldier killed in Iraq. The ad hoc group is dedicated to remembering the ultimate sacrifices made by all men and women in our region from all branches of the military.

Ray McCarthy - President and Founder

When the picture of a mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq appeared in our local newspaper, the photograph spoke volumns.  It was the picture of immeasurable loss and suffering.

The haunting image kept me up at night. I put it up on at my restaurant at Sullivan County Airport, the Cup and Saucer, and it created a stir. “It’s sad, but they volunteered”, some would say, “let the government take care of their families.” The comments continued: “I support the war and I support the troops. I’m against the war but I support the troops.”

But what is anyone REALLY doing to help the troops that everyone says they support? The question repeated in my head like a drum beat. Soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice also sacrifice the lives of their families. Isn’t there something we can all do to help?

And so, one by one, we started amassing a civilian volunteer unit of our own. We have no political ties or agendas. Our aim is to raise money through events and initiatives and to divide the funds equitably among the families of soldiers who have died. We also assist those who have returned wounded.

Maybe you know people who have served and are serving. Or maybe, like so many members of our Committee, you can hear the sometimes muffled yet steady cry for assistance from our friends and neighbors who have suffered grievous losses. 

If so, please join us. There’s a lot to be done

 Our Mission>