In Honor of Fallen Marine, Fundraiser Aims to Help Veterans with PTSD

Three years after returning home from two tours in Iraq, Cpl. Brandon Meyers lost his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Now, the family of the Plainfield Marine is working to help save other veterans like him.

Meyers was just 25 when he took his own life on June 28, 2013. 

"He carried many demons back with him and fought them for over 3 years after returning home," mom Wendy Meyers said. " ... Our mission now is to help other Veterans suffering from the same demons that Brandon fought."

Dubbed "Bubba" by family and friends, Brandon spent countless hours working on cars with his dad, David. 

A July 19 car show is being held in his honor to raise money to help Palos Heights-based Paws Assisting Wounded Warriorsprovide service dogs to other vets with PTSD.

"We know now that these men and women can be saved," Wendy wrote on a GoFundMe page for the event. "Owning a service dog, trained for PTSD can save their lives! My son is too late for this..but it is our mission now to help as many as we can."

The Cpl. Brandon Meyers Memorial Car Show is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at The Foundry, 85 Executive Drive near the Westfield Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.

All show/classic/muscle cars are welcome. The event will include participant judging, awards and a 50/50 raffle.

The cost of admission is $20 ($15 for those who have served in the armed forces). One-hundred percent of the proceeds benefit PAWWS.

For more information, text 630-957-7181. 

Donations can also be made online via a GoFundMe page created in Brandon's honor.

Editor's note: Due to the weather, this event has been rescheduled from July 12 to July 19.