High School Students Raise $23,000 for Afghanistan Veteran

Hersey students raise $23,000 to help injured veteran build home 
Chicago Tribune
By Karen Ann Cullotta
December 31, 2015 (their date)

Students at John Hersey High School in 
Arlington Heights presented a $23,000 check
this month to Marine Lance Corporal Cody Evans
who lost both his legs in 2011 while on patrol in
Afghanistan. Evans, pictured here with his dog,
Willie, tossed T-shirts to students at
a recent holiday assembly.
(Karen Ann Cullotta / Chicago Tribune)

U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Smith, 30, who also lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, was awarded a $23,000 check last year at Hersey to help make his home in Tennessee handicapped accessible.

When 1,800 John Hersey High School students welcomed a visiting Marine with a rousing standing ovation this month, Vietnam veteran William Dussling was taken by the teens' respect and patriotism.

"When I came back from Vietnam in 1968, the whole country was confused, and it was a difficult time for returning veterans," said Dussling, a Township High School District 214 school board member.

"There's nothing more important to a returning vet than appreciation and support from the community," Dussling said.

Dussling joined forces with Hersey students and staff this month in presenting a $23,000 check to Lance Cpl. Cody Evans, 31, who lost both his legs while on patrol in Afghanistan, and who will use the funds toward the cost of building a handicapped-accessible house in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tenn.

"This is amazing…it just blew all my expectations," said Evans, who was honored at the Arlington Heights high school's holiday assembly earlier this month.
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