St. Charles City Council Honors Father-Son Team

If you missed St. Charles Patch’s stories last summer and fall about Matt Steichen of St. Charles and his dad, Craig, of Bartlett, you may be surprised they were singled out for honors Monday night by the St. Charles City Council.

But if you followed the father-and-son team’s All32in17 quest, you already know. The duo traveled 42,000 miles during the pro football season, visiting every NFL stadium in the process and treating wounded veterans — most nominated by the Wounded Warriors Project — to a day out that included a pro football game.

Their goal was not just to hit all 32 stadiums in one 17-week season. They also wanted to honor the service of those who made great sacrifices by putting their very lives on the line in serving this nation’s military.

They since have taken rheir All32in17: The Ultimate Football Journey and created a charitable 501 (c3) organization to ensure their efforts to honor these brave wounded warriors can continue beyond one season. They also intend to expand to other sports and other events, like concerts, NASCAR races and monster truck rallies that appeal to veterans who are not necessarily interested in football.

It was obvious from the animated expressions on their faces as they related their experiences to the St. Charles City Council on Monday that their effort had been rewarding.

Matt noted that one veteran, who lost all four limbs last May, went to the Super Bowl with them. “He told me it was the best experience of his life,” Matt said, eyes still widening with wonder. “For him to say something like that …”

Their story — and the video they played — had n impact on the council, as well those who turned out for the meeting. Mayor Donald DeWitte praised the men for their effort.

“I just wanted to take a moment to say that … as a St. Charles resident and to your friends in Bartlett, we couldn’t be prouder,” DeWitte said.

Craig said they spent $18,000 on their trek, which Matt estimated covered as much as 42,000 miles and concluded with a trip to the Super Bowl. Craig said the cost would have been much higher, but that many organizations, when they found out what the two were doing, donated to the cause, keeping the Steichens’ own expenses down.

The Steichens tried to make each game more than just a trip out for the veterans. There are other organizations that offer free trips or free event tickets to wounded veterans, but he and Matt spent the entire day with the veterans, developing relationships and forging friendships he doesn’t want to forget.

“Every one of the 75 guys we took, we still talk to two or three times a week,” Craig told the council.

Related:

• Oct. 28, 2012: Father and Son Give Gridiron Gratitude to Wounded Vets
• June 1, 2012: Father and Son Set to Embark on Ultimate NFL Experience

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