Fundraiser Held To Support Disabled Veteran After Vicious Beating
By Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a savage senseless beating of a Vietnam veteran that outraged many people.
Surveillance video captured the attack last month in north Philadelphia.
Now complete strangers, mostly veterans who are outraged, are stepping to help raise money and support for 64-year-old Ed Schaffer who lost an eye in Vietnam. (see related story)
They plan to fill the courtroom next week, as the legal proceedings against the two teenagers arrested get underway.
"When you get people out there in court those judges, those prosecutors understand what is happening in that community and those punks understand they are not getting away with this stuff," fundraiser organizer and Veteran Joe Eastman said.
People are also hoping to raise about $4,000 to help Schaffer cover bills.
"When you saw the pictures it was horrific, and I think that is what got to a lot of us," Eastman said.
Among those who came out to Northern Liberties Wednesday night for a fundraiser at Liberties Bar and Restaurant was Dan Hazely, a navy veteran who owns his own heating and air conditioning company in Feasterville.
When he heard Schaffer has been living without heating for several months, he decided to replace his heater for free this weekend.
"I really feel honored and privileged to do this for him," Hazley said.
Schaffer did not attend the fundraiser.
A family member tells Eyewitness News he and his wife are trying to keep out of the spotlight as best they can until the court case is wrapped up, but the family member says Schaffer has been overwhelmed by the amount of public support and he and his wife spend a good part of their day filling out thank you notes.
