On November 25, 2009 U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Edward Joseph Lyons III,
of Davenport, was severely injured by an enemy improvised explosive
device (IED) blast while serving our country in Afghanistan. Life as he
knew it was shattered in an instant.
Since that time Ed Lyons III has been, and still is, recovering from the
attack at the National Navel Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He
has gone through many major and minor surgeries, including a partial
amputation. During these past 5 months his parents, Ed & Jackie Lyons,
of Davenport, have endured the expense of many trips to be by Ed's side,
assisting with his rehabilitation and providing a boost to his morale.
On May 5th, at the Quad Cities International Airport, the Bettendorf
American Legion Riders, The Patriot Guard Riders, and the Quad Cities
community welcomed home "Eddie Joe" Lyons. From there he was escorted to
his home in Davenport where his mother was waiting with open arms.
The Bettendorf American Legion Riders organized a very successful benefit
on May 8, 2010 that was held at the Davenport American Legion, Post 26.
With their combined efforts, and the support from several other
organizations, over $12,500 was raised to help out with the expenses
incurred by the family during the troubling time of Eddie Joe's
rehabilitation and recovery.
Currently the Bettendorf American Legion does not have a building to
operate from. Without the offer from Terry Dell, Commander of the
Davenport American Legion Post 26, and the hard efforts by both
organizations, this event would not have been able to happen. A special
thank you goes out to all that made this worthwhile event possible. And
to those that came out to thank Lance Corporal Edward Joseph Lyons III
and his family for their sacrifices.

Bill Tuman
President
American Legion Riders
Chapter 154
Bettendorf, Iowa
www.americanlegionrider.com
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