By Deb Silverthorn
Marine Lance Corporal Brian Aft, 23, who has courageously served his country, was severely injured on the first night of Pesach, just weeks before his return from Afghanistan.  LCpl Aft is the son of Becky and Norman Slakman, the brother of Elyssa, and grandson of Marty (of blessed memory) and Sara Pfeffer.
A bring-your-own-picnic and blanket, to connect and appreciate LCpl Aft’s service, and to raise funds to help support the family’s needs will be held on Sunday, May 1, from 12:30 to 3p.m., at Coyote Creek Park in Plano.
LCpl Aft lost both of his legs after he and four other Marines stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED).  He has suffered additional injuries including a fractured wrist and a punctured eardrum from the same incident. LCpl Aft is recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital and will be transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where Becky, his mom and biggest cheerleader, will be by his side.
“I pray for him,” said Becky Slakman.  “He is a lucky young man who has a lot of people on his side pulling for him.  He has turned into a wonderful young man and we are so proud of who he is.”
The family are members of Temple Shalom, and LCpl Aft is a former student at Walden Preparatory and member of BBYO’s Monsky AZA chapter. Becky, Executive Director at the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, has worked tirelessly for decades at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and in numerous volunteer positions throughout the community.
While doctors will work hard to heal him, the community can help the family in a myriad of ways. Please come, bring your own picnic, a prayer for Chaim Feifel ben Rivka, and a donation, perhaps any combination of life, of Chai, $18.  At this time (as a charitable account has yet to be arranged), checks should be made to Norman Slakman, and are not deductible.  Monies will be given to the family, to offset the expenses that will come with their being there for this brave Marine.
Coyote Creek Park is located at 3900 Communications in Plano, TX 75093, and has basketball courts, baseball fields and room for a community to care.  For questions, or for those wishing to make a donation beyond next Sunday’s picnic, please e-mail Deb Silverthorn at mamatex@aol.com. To follow LCpl Aft’s recovery, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianaft/createorsignin. Donations, which are not tax-deductible, may be mailed to: c/o Silverthorn, 5960 W. Parker Road, Suite 278 Box 134, Plano, TX 75093