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.
Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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 from this event will benefit the Ventura family.
