He fought for our freedom and now he’s fighting for his life.

 

This fundraiser is set up to help offset a loss of income, travel expenses, necessary lodging expenses and any medical expenses for the Hendrie Family during their time of need.

 

Gene B. Hendrie:

Entered the U.S. Army National Guard in Plattsburgh, NY (NYARNG) in September of 1984 as an Infantry Soldier, 11B until 11/01/2004. He was a member of B Co. 3/172nd Mountain Battalion and throughout his service, was a member of 2/108th Inf. 10th Mountain, 1/105th Inf. 10th Mountain and the 27th Brigade (Orion). In July 1990, Gene entered the NYS Counter Drug Task Force Active Duty for Special Work. During his service with the Adirondack Task Force of the counter drug division, Gene served with the NYS Police, DEA, US Customs and Border Patrol, Plattsburgh City Police, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies to halt the flow of illegal drugs, illegal immigrants and any criminal entities involved in nefarious activities. All the while, he was performing his duties in the Army for deployments, schools and training as an Infantry Squad Leader and a Leader in the Corps of Cadets Paramilitary Organization for younger children to excel and learn discipline, leadership, and camaraderie. In addition, Gene volunteered for many additional duties for 20 yrs. including the Combat Rifle Team (NYS TAG Match) for years representing his Unit, advanced party, recruiting events, Operations; Grand Polar, Noble Eagle, Chipper, 1998 Ice Storm, etc.

 

In 1996, Gene suffered a heart attack which he recovered from and continued his duties as an Infantry Squad Leader. Unbeknownst to anyone, the heart attack was a precursor to his diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease in 2002 (service connected) and aggravated. Surgery was required to open his arteries within both legs, which was unsuccessful leading to bypasses in both legs in 2003. Again, this treatment was unsuccessful leading to a below the knee amputation of his left leg and then an amputation of the same leg above the knee. In 2012, Gene required another bypass on his right leg and another in 2014. Since that time, Gene has battled this disease he’s been stricken with including multiple surgeries, stents, therapy, medications, procedures, etc. This disease is relentless and there is no cure, but Gene continues to fight to care for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, fellow soldiers and his entire extended family which includes every veteran and service member.

 

Genes disease is relentless, but he refuses to succumb to it regardless of the immense pain and agony both physically and mentally. He continues to be a soldier for his family, brothers and sisters in arms and anyone he can help. Gene retired from the Army with 15+/- years of active service and 5 +/- years of reserve time. Therefore, he is not entitled to all the protections, medical and financial benefits of 20 years active duty for himself and especially his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Gene will be undergoing a 14- hour surgery this month (October) out of state. This surgery will be more trying than the priors. He will have 3 different teams of Drs that will work tirelessly to perform 3 bypasses to the celiac artery, proximal superior mesenteric artery, and the inferior mesenteric artery in his abdomen. These arteries supply arterial blood to the organs of the midgut. This is a very serious surgery that will require him to be hospitalized for at least a month. In addition, he also has another blockage in his right leg that will need to be addressed soon.

 

His wife Diane has chosen to be by his side for care and love rather than being employed (greatly reducing their income) as family is the most important especially during these times. The surgery will allow Gene more time to make this world a better place. We are asking for any assistance for bills, travel, lodging, copays, food and sundries, recovery, etc. for himself and the ones he loves and those that love him.

We greatly appreciate any contribution you give and whatever is not required we will send to the next service member or fellow American that needs it and that will be disclosed to all of you. Thank you all for your contribution to a great man that has always payed it forward. God Bless you and yours and the USA and anyone who is going through these hard times.