Thousands of people showed up to show support for the Corporal Todd Nicely, Saturday, Sept. 25 at Faith Lutheran Church. From inflatable bounce houses, a car show, to the eighteen Fire Districts and Departments that sent vehicles for attendees to see, there was something for everyone who came out and supported the cause.

About one hundred volunteers donated their Saturday to help out and around and four thousand people attended the benefit in a day and a half.

“In March of this year, Nicely was on patrol in Afghanistan and while in lead of the patrol, he came to a bridge. They [his unit] had crossed it before and Todd was the first one to cross. Once over the bridge, an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) exploded. The blast only injured Todd, and the Marines with him acted quickly to save his life. He gives all the credit for being alive to his fellow Marines,” Nick Fahs, president of the Mehlville Firefighters Union Local 1889 said.

The Marines have his medical bills covered, but his family is struggling with the auto and home insurance. The Nicely family also needed money to alter their living conditions to accommodate Nicely.

Emily Faulstich (11) attended the benefit through StuCo and Faith Church.

“It was amazing to see all the people who showed up,” Faulstich said. “I thought it was going to be like a picnic and I am so happy it was more than that.”

Fahs spent a lot of time on this project and really appreciates the help of the Oakville and Faith community and all of the other people who helped put this together.

“It was a big project, but when you do something in life you believe in and with passion, it is no longer work. Fahs said. “It was fun and with the help of OHS students, it was also easier. We do not know how we will ever thank you.”