Tom Block, a Waseca native, attended Waseca Schools where he was active in sports, especially in football and wrestling. He was an all-conference football player and a two-time state tournament wrestler. He attended Minnesota State University-Mankato and was a four-year letter \winner on the MSU Wrestling Team before joining the U.S. Army.

Tom was critically injured in October 2013 when a suicide bomber exploded near him on a mission in Afghanistan. Thomas lost his right eye, has major injuries to the left eye resulting in very low vision, an injured foot and many shrapnel wounds. He has already had multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on his eye, facial reconstruction, foot reconstruction and shrapnel wound repair. The facial reconstruction and eye surgeries will be an ongoing process.

The proceeds from the September benefit will help Thomas with lifelong needs as he undergoes the healing and reconstruction process and learns to cope with life as a visually impaired person. 

The benefit will be held Saturday, September 6, at the Waseca County Fairgrounds, 3 p.m. to midnight.

There are a number of opportunities to volunteer for this event. Please spread the word. For more information contact Adam Leach at (507) 461-0838, wasecawarrior@gmail.com.

Groups involved with this benefit are: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, MN Military Family Assistance Program, American Red Cross, Waseca County Free Fair, local community organizations, family and friends.