Austria donates proceeds from fundraiser to family of fallen soldier XENIA -- State Sen. Steve Austria met Thursday with the family of the late Army Col. Paul Kelly and donated proceeds from his annual golf outing to an education fund for the children of a man he described as a family friend and a fallen hero.
"The Kelly family and the Austria family grew up together," said Austria. "Paul is a hero not only to our nation, but to our community."
Kelly, a former Beavercreek resident and graduate of the University of Dayton and Carroll High School, was killed along with 11 others Jan. 20 when their Black Hawk helicopter was shot down over Baghdad. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 31, which would have been his 46th birthday.
Kelly is survived by his wife Maria and their two sons, Paul David, 9, and John Joseph, 6, who live in Stafford, Va. His parents John and Mary Rose; his brother Patrick with his wife Peggy and two girls, Erin, 11, and Maddie, 8, live in Beavercreek and were on hand at a ceremony at the offices of the Greene County Dailies to accept the donation.
Austria presented a check for more than $2,000 to the Col. Paul Kelly Children Education Fund, from funds raised at the Austria family's annual golf outing, held this year on June 11 at Locust Hills Golf Club in Springfield. Golfers chipped in a cash or check each time they took a mulligan, Austria said.
"We hope others will also contribute to this fund that will help his kids get a quality education," Austria said.
"After Paul gave his life fighting in Iraq, we decided [setting up the fund] was something we just needed to do for his sons Paul David and J.J.," Patrick Kelly said.
"Everyone who knew Paul or has heard his story has jumped in to help," said Patrick Kelly, noting that the city of Beavercreek and their church, St. Luke's Catholic Church, were quick to offer aid as soon as the sad news broke.
A member of Virginia Army National Guard, Kelly was the highest-ranking National Guard member to die in a combat theater in the Iraq war.
"My brother definitely was a hero," said Patrick Kelly. "He wouldn't tell you he was, but must heroes are like that."
Contributions to the Col. Paul Kelly Children Education Fund may be made to the Fund and sent in c/o Patrick Kelly, 2414 Oakbrook Blvd., Beavercreek OH 45434.
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