Saturday night, Santa Clarita residents gathered at retired firefighter Leo Miller’s house to raise money for the Ricky Slocum Memorial Fund. Miller recently completed the remodeling of his patio and outdoor barbeque and kitchen.

To celebrate its completion, he invited the community to attend a barbeque fundraiser in honor of the Santa Clarita fallen hero.

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Ricky Slocum is a Saugus High alumnus who joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating in 2003. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation in 2004 near Abu Ghraib, Iraq. He was the victim of a Humvee crash while manning a gun turret during patrol duty. Ricky’s parents, Bob and Kay have formed the Ricky Slocum Memorial Fund.  Their vision is to be able to offer financial assistance to returning veterans in Santa Clarita.

Miller recently attended an SCV Chamber luncheon at the Hyatt which was held in honor of Tempered Steel and the Ian Gelig Memorial Scholarship. Leo was inspired at that lunch to get involved. The completion of his patio was a perfect opportunity. He spoke to Fred Arnold, an SCV Chamber board member and J.D. Kennedy, membership director for the local Young Republican group, to select a worthy cause. After speaking to Ricky’s parents, the announcement was made.

Among guests in attendance were friends and family of Ricky Slocum and other Gold Star families. The SCV Young Marines volunteered to work the check-in table and members of the Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders were  also present.

The fundraiser was open to the entire community, to which they turned out in full force for the first fundraiser for the Ricky Slocum Memorial Fund. On the menu was Caesar salad, bbq tri-tip, chicken, ranch-style beans and more.  A donation of $10 was asked from each person at the door, but guests made generous donations throughout the night, bringing in more than $2,000.

Donations are still being accepted. Checks can be sent to:

Ricky Slocum Memorial Fund; ATTN: Leo Miller; P.O. Box 220255; Newhall, Ca. 91322