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Our February Spotlight features a family that has been outstanding WWIA Supporters and who clearly show that when you are dedicated and passionate about a cause, there are no limitations to the impact and contribution you can make. Kellie and Chris DeMik have garnered the support of local individuals and businesses throughout the past 10 years in support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes, and their incredible community of patrons have raised over $110,000 in that short time. Kellie and Chris have been married for 23 years and have two children. Their oldest son Kyle is 20 years old and currently serving as a Specialist in the U.S. Army. Their youngest son Caden is 13 years old. By his own admission, Chris loves cars and has been in the automotive repair business for 33 years. He also loves to shoot and hunt with his sons. Kellie serves as a teacher's aid for children with special needs and also maintains a sales position in the evenings. Both Chris and Kellie have family members that have either previously served or are currently serving, so helping our country's veterans is a close and personal passion for them. They are proud members of their local American Legion Post 1977 in New Lenox, IL. Chris is a former SAL Commander and Kellie is also a former Ladies Aux officer. Caden is a member of the SAL and Kyle is a dual member of the American Legion and SAL. Chris was kind enough to answer some questions about their WWIA experience throughout the past 10 years.
How did you first get involved with WWIA?
10 years ago a friend of mine, who was a Vietnam Vet and I were sitting around the kitchen table talking. We had just built a cooker and he said that we should cook for vets. I went online and searched over 700 websites until I found WWIA. We were hunters and all our friends were also. The WWIA stated that it gave the most back to the Purple Heart veterans. My sister-in-law Kim, our friends Gil and Kathy who lived in Florida, and Paul and his wife Linda went down and personally spoke with John McDaniel. Following that meeting, Paul called me and said, this is our guy.
You recently held and celebrated the 10th Annual New Lenox WWIA Luncheon Fundraiser. What were the early roots of how this fundraiser began?
We initially held a couple of fundraisers in which we cooked wild game and fish that we had caught. We raised $500 for a couple of years at another location. Then, we met another group of hunters and they brought their friends, and we merged into a big group that wanted to help Vets at our Post. We all had family in the service or that had previously served, and we are all members of the Sons of the American Legion or American Legion so then it really started to take off. My old partner Paul retired four years ago, and I took it to a new level with my experience from my job. In the last 4 years, we were able to raise $84,000. Collectively, we have raised over $110,000 in 10 years for WWIA.
The community and businesses of New Lenox have truly embraced and supported WWIA like their own through their incredible support, generosity, and giving. How have you been able to galvanize the local community around the message and mission of WWIA?
We have been truly blessed with our Tri-City area. There are many other organizations also asking for donations to support their cause, but many of the veteran organizations we work with now wait for our annual fundraiser. We have a strong list of people who support us. We have a good inside sales team consisting of Laura, Juney, and my wife Kellie and I. I write the letters and stuff the envelopes with Kellie, ensure all of the post-tax forms are ready and start hitting the streets. Laura makes an average of 220 phone calls and Juney also calls on people she knows. It is an incredibly strong and motivated team. You have to believe in the product you are selling, and we believe in the mission we are promoting! We invite others to come out and see for themselves. Many do and are greatly moved by the event, then they want to contribute and be a part of it.
What has been the biggest benefit of being an integral part of the WWIA family?
I fight with this. Sometimes it gets tough and you are getting zero help and everyone these days seems to have an opinion. But, inevitably, you have that one person that is truly moved by what we are doing, and they inspire you. Then, I see these videos and I realize that it DOES matter. I have helped someone. John is also very good at helping me with this. I am a self-driven person. If I see something, I go for it. I have spoken with WWIA Guides Josh and Mark and have listened to their stories of survival and sacrifice. Most people do not realize that the way of life we are afforded is because of veterans. My son joined the Army in part because of how he was raised and what he has seen with these WWIA events.
What would you say to others who are considering getting involved with WWIA as a Supporter, Host, or perhaps in some other capacity?
Do it. You’ll feel good inside. Everyone can do something. Everyone can help someone in any capacity. Your freedom, your way of life is because of our veterans. It isn’t political. It does not matter what your political view or stance is, you have the freedom to express them in this great country because of our veterans. Please help. It is a great family that you will feel proud to help and serve.
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