Friends, family and supporters of Brownwood native and injured soldier Andy Putman gathered Saturday for a fundraising event at the Lehnis Railroad Museum.
Andy and wife Kendra’s family including Kendra’s father Joey Boswell, Kendra’s grandmother Joy Johnston, Andy’s mother and stepfather Julie and Joe Williford, and Kendra’s aunt Marilyn Golden and her fiancée John Sligh attended the event (pictured above).
Julie Williford reported that Andy is making strides in his recovery although he still suffers from short term memory loss and some cognitive issues. She plans to return to North Carolina hopefully in the next few weeks.
Kendra’s family stated that her mother, Donna Boswell, is living in Raeford, North Carolina and able to take care of the Putman’s young children and that Andy has been able to return home for a visit on a weekend pass, which was a huge step in his recovery.
“We really appreciate the help the local community has given to Andy and Kendra,” said Johnston.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Putman family through an account set up at Citizens National Bank. The event ran through 5:00pm Saturday and featured several activities for kids including the museum, bounce houses and train rides. A hamburger lunch was also served up by “Goat Willie” and his crew which included Paul Coghlan, Ray Scalf and Ryan Scalf.
Local businesses supported the event such as Green Acres Rentals providing the bounce houses and cotton candy machine, Dr. Pepper Bottling Company with the use of their Dr. Pepper trailer for the day, Cullen’s Hometown Market providing vegetables, and Mrs. Baird’s who supplied the buns. Kim Peterson, curator of the Lehnis Museum, said she helped organize the event because she knew Andy and wanted to help out the family.
PFC Andy Putman, United States Army, sustained injuries when the vehicle he was riding in was hit by an IED while in Afghanistan in late April. Putman is now back in the United States recovering.
To read the previous article regarding Andrew Putman, click here.
Below are more photos of the event.
Paul “Goat Willie” Coghlan, Ray Scalf, and Ryan Scalf volunteered to cook the hamburger lunch.
Ryan Scalf at work on the grill.
Visitors at the museum enjoy the model trains.
Another visitor takes in a larger display.