Benefit Barbecue for Local Soldier Injured in Afghanistan Set for Saturday in Arnold

The Arnold VFW Post No. 2593 is hosting a benefit barbecue Saturday for a Cedar Hill Marine who was seriously injured in the line of duty.

In December, Cpl. Justin McLoud, 23, stepped on a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan. He lost both legs above the knees and his left arm at the elbow. McLoud has undergone extensive therapy at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, but faces more surgeries.

The barbecue, which will include silent auctions, 50/50 raffles and live music, will be held at the VFW Hall at 2301 Arnold Church Rd. from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The band Desperado will play a variety of music throughout the day.

McLoud's mom, Karri Mange, is a nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Department at St. Anthony Medical Center. Mange's co-workers have been very supportive, she said. They have donated money to a trust fund for McLoud and have given their vacation days to her so she can spend time with him in California.

"My gratitude toward them... I just can't say thank you enough," Mange said. "When I've needed to take off work on short notice to be with Justin, they've really stepped up to the plate to help."

McLoud, who recently came back to St. Louis on an extended leave, and his mom will both be at the fundraiser on Saturday.

Shortly after graduating from Hillsboro High School, McLoud enlisted in the Marines. His tour of duty ended in October 2010, but he re-enlisted and was then deployed to Afghanistan.

Currently, he lives in San Diego with his wife Amber and a 9-month-old son, Desmond. As soon as he is able, he is hoping to return to Missouri with his family, get a degree in education and become a high school history teacher. 

In addition to Saturday's event, a benefit concert has also been scheduled for McLoud. At 7 p.m. Thursday the Hoss Howard Band will perform at Rickman Auditorium in Arnold. Tickets for the event are available through Metrotix for $10 or $12 at the door. Tickets will also be sold at Saturday's barbecue.

If you'd like to make a donation, but are not able to attend Saturday's event, you can write a check payable to the Arnold VFW Post No. 2593 and write “Justin McLoud” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the Arnold VFW Hall at 2301 Arnold Church Rd., Arnold, MO 63010.