On Saturday, December 12, many children in our community will take part in the donation of a truck load of toys brought to LCO from Illinois, in honor of a soldier who died in Afghanistan. To honor the life and legacy of Tom Boyle, his wife, Pauline and son, Ryan will be delivering the toys to LCO and Shondel Barber, through the Circle of Life program, will distribute the toys in a community-wide giveaway at the LCO School Gym.
The event was hugely successful last year and Shondel says this year will be even bigger. There are more toys to be distributed. This is the third year of the toy giveaway. The toys are collected in Illinois.
Pauline Boyle, an LCO Tribal member, said her husband Tom loved children and realized the value and impact they would have upon our future. Tom died on June 19, 2012 during an attack at FOB Provincial Reserve in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
According tot he brochure for the event, "Boyle began his distinguished public service career after serving two tours in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where he earned numerous awards including the Cross of Gallantry. After returning stateside, Tom followed in the footsteps of his family and became the fourth generation police officer to join the Chicago Police Department. This began a 30-year career which ranged from dignitary protection, organized crime, narcotics, vice control, and numerous undercover assignments. His most memorable and proudest accomplishment included the apprehension of the Strickland Brothers during their attempted getaway after killing Wheeling Police officer Kenneth Dawson thereby thwarting the kidnapping and killing of other civilians taken hostage that day. Tom earned numerous departmental commendations and one life saving award before retiring at the rank of detective, After retirement, Tom deployed in support of several Department of Defense contingencies including service in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. In his final deployment, Tom served with the 2d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division in Kandahar Province Afghanistan. Tomas Boyle died on June 19, 2012 during an attack at FOB Provincial Reserve in Kandahar, Afghanistan culminating a lifetime of service to his country."
For more information about this event visit the Facebook Page where Shondel will be putting updates about in the days leading up to the giveaway, https://www.facebook.com/events/1732973343597393/permalink/1733035913591136/
