April 19 ‘Wing Fling' honors Lt. Lou Allen's memory - Proceeds to establish scholarship and community grants

CHESTER — While the parents and siblings of 1st Lt. Louis Allen struggle with the military over their request to have to a video feed of Allen’s alleged killer’s trial broadcast at West Point, they’re working hard to make sure the April 19 fundraiser they’re planning to honor Allen’s memory is filled with happiness and laughter. And they’ll have it filled with thousands of chicken wings, too. That’s because tomorrow, the 1st Lt. Louis Allen Scholarship and Community Foundation holds its first fundraiser, the “Wing Fling,” at G.W.’s Sports Grill in Chester from 3 to 7 p.m. Thanks to G.W.’s generosity, 100 percent of all money raised will be given to the foundation. The “all-you-can-eat” chicken wing and draft beer event, which includes a disc jockey, will raise money to develop a scholarship program at the Chester Academy for students interested in studying science or teaching. Proceeds from the event will also provide grants to Orange County organizations to support families or individuals in need. Allen was a Chester Academy graduate and teacher at John S. Burke High School in Goshen. Most recently, he was a physics teacher at George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo. Allen and Capt. Phil Esposito of Suffern were killed June 8. 2005, when a mine exploded at a base near Tikrit, Iraq. Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez of Troy is accused of exploding that mine and is charged with two counts of murder. All were New York Army National Guard members. Allen and his wife Barbara are the parents of four sons: Trevor, Colin, Sean and Jeremy. “Lou really loved life to the fullest,” said sister Laurene Sandstrom, foundation co-chair. “He was probably the only one who did. He absolutely loved teaching and the kids loved him. Lou loved a good time. That’s what this is all about.” Already, 200 family and friends have purchased tickets to attend and remember the way Allen loved life. Ticket prices are $20 per person in advance; and $25 at the door. “This was a no brainer,” said G.W.’s Sports Grill owner John Salerno. “I was touched to share their experience and wanted to do something. It’s nothing compared to what they’ve gone through and what happened to Lou. What I’m doing is pretty insignificant in the scheme of things.” This event is one of many fundraisers Salerno assists community organizations with each year. “It’s just the right thing to do,” he said. “You have to be involved with the community to be part of the community.” Denis Petrilak, principal of Baker High School where Allen taught, will attend. “Remembering Lou is important on a few different levels,” he said. “Lou made a great sacrifice when he served his country and it ultimately cost him his life. He made that sacrifice willingly. But Lou also served his community as a teacher and coach.” Petrilak wanted people to know while Allen served in the military reserves, he essentially did two full-time jobs. On his days off, he returned to Tuxedo to work with the substitute teacher covering his class to make sure all was well with his students. “It’s that extra sacrifice and example that endures,” said Petrilak. “That’s the legacy of Lou. It’s a powerful message for all of us. We miss him very much. It still hurts.”