Benefit Set for Little Falls Vet Who Lost Hand

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (AP) - A benefit is set for Saturday for a Little Falls veteran who lost his right hand in a farm accident.

The "Lend a Hand to Jamie Houdek" benefit at the Little Falls Ballroom is being hosted by his co-workers at Camp Ripley.

Houdek has been through four surgeries and is undergoing physical therapy. He had a prosthetic fitted at the Minneapolis VA hospital. His left arm also was injured and he's working on regaining full use of it.

Houdek is a diesel mechanic at Camp Ripley and has been in the Minnesota National Guard almost 15 years. He served in Iraq in 2005.

Organizer Kris Ambuehl says Houdek and his family have been down a long, hard road.

But Houdek says the support has been overwhelming.