Clarksville, TN – Saturday morning friends and family along with many folks from the community gathered at Outlaw Field to Welcome Home a local Hero.
As SSG Charles ( Chaz ) Allen’s plane landed, members of the Patriot Guard lined the tarmac holding American flags. Once the plane stopped, SSG Allen walked off the plane and onto a red carpet as he made his way through a passage way of flags as the Patriot Guard lined the walk way.
When asked about his flight home, Chaz said it was his best flight in a long time. He also thanked everyone for coming out and stated that he didn’t think his wife knew so many people.
SSG Allen returned from a long stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. SSG Allen was injured when he stepped on an IED on January 22, 2011, losing both legs and breaking his elbow. He was deployed with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Campbell. While SSG Allen didn’t come home with the rest of his unit, today he was welcomed home in a special way at Outlaw Field.
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People lined up for the opportunity to welcome home SSG Chaz Allen and to shake hands with their local hero. In a brief interview, he stated his was glad to be home.
After a brief meeting with friends and family inside the air conditioned building at Outlaw Field, SSG Allen made his way to the family vehicle and was escorted home my the Patriot Guard and the Clarksville Police Department.
American flags lined the street as leading to the Allen family home. Once in the neighborhood, Motorcycles lined the street as everyone gathered outside the family home. When asked what he would like for his first home cooked meal, Chaz stated that he would like a pot of beans, corn bread and fried potatoes.
A fundraiser for SSG Chaz Allen is being held starting at noon today at the Bella Napoli Pizzeria, 1200 Villa Place in Nashville. Donations can also be made to the Chaz and Jessica Allen Fund at Heritage Bank, 3845 Trenton Road, Clarksville, TN 37040.
Jason Conner, general manager of Valentino’s Ristorante in Nashville, who also planned the dinner and concert fundraiser, “We are giving 100 percent of ticket sales, silent auction, and beverage sales to build one-story home for him that is accessible.”
Tickets are $45 per person and consist of a four-course, all-you-can-eat buffet. Individuals will also experience at least 10 musical performances, including Schyler Dixon, Regie Hamm and Victoria Banks.
If you would like to attend the benefit dinner for SSG Allen, You can contact Jason Conner at 615-327-0148.