For many years, Bill and Cyndi Ventura have been dedicated
to supporting military moms and dads.
Cyndi, the president of Long Island Blue Star Moms NY6, has held the
hands of grieving parents, organized aid for Marine Corps amputees, attended
military funerals, carried out fundraising events, presented custom-built
cycles to veterans who have lost the use of their legs, and much more. In addition to their involvement with the
Blue Star Moms, Bill and Cynthia are heavily involved in the Gold Star Moms,
Patriot Guard Riders, Building Homes for Heroes, and countless other charitable
organizations.
On April 23, 2011, the Ventura’s
oldest son, USMC Corporal Jerome Ventura, an aviation supply specialist with
the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was found unconscious at his on-base living
quarters at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in California.
He died later at San Diego's Sharp Memorial
Hospital. The cause of death was complications from his
medication for PTSD. Corporal Ventura,
who was just 23 years of age, left behind his wife, parents, two brothers, and grandparents. He carried out a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Tragedy struck the family again on July 3, 2013 when USMC
Lance Corporal William (Billy) Ventura, on leave
from training at upstate Fort Drum, was involved in a motorcycle accident on Long Island. After
the accident, a passing motorist ran Ventura
over, and then fled the scene. LCpl.
Ventura was treated for a fractured vertebrae, crushed spinal cord, collapsed
lung, and lacerated internal organs. He
is paralyzed from the waist down has been given a 1% chance of ever walking
again.
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The Ventura
family’s support of our servicemen and women, and their families is second to
none. Now, the Ventura’s need help. Building Homes for Heroes will lead the
effort to carry out a major renovation of the family’s home in Selden, NY
to make it handicap-accessible in an effort to meet Billy’s many needs, and to
provide him with the freedom and independence he deserves. Proceeds of this event will benefit the Ventura family.
