FORT KENT – Yves Levesque has never been to war, wonders about the courage of soldiers who do and wants to show his appreciation for those putting their lives on the line for the cause of freedom and democracy.

With the assistance of the Knights of Columbus in Fort Kent, it was decided to raise funds for soldiers in general and for a specific veteran who has served our country.

To do this, Levesque, a logger safety trainer from Fort Kent, has organized a raffle for a four-wheel ATV and a soldiers’ recognition banquet and dance at Fort Kent.

“Support your soldiers” is the theme of his project.

The raffle tickets are being sold for $20. He hopes to sell 1,000 of them. The winner will get a four-wheel-drive 2006 Yamaha Bruin 350 CC. The winner will also get protective gear and money for sales tax and registration.

The drawing will be Nov. 11, Veterans Day 2006, at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

On the same night, there will be a soldiers’ recognition banquet and dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 5 p.m. During the dance, the winning ticket will be drawn for the ATV.

One-third of all the profits will help support soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom, one-third for a U.S. soldier selected by the winning ticket holder, and one-third will cover the expenses of the entire program Levesque developed.

“I’ve wanted to do something for our soldiers for a long time,” Levesque said. “I’ve never gone to war, and I can’t begin to place myself in these soldiers’ shoes.

“What courage they must have,” he said. “I just felt the need to show my appreciation.”

He looks at his project as one from the entire state. He has challenged people from across the state to participate.

“Help me show these individuals that Mainers care about their soldiers,” he said.

Anyone interested in buying or selling tickets can contact Levesque at 32 Jacob Road, Fort Kent 04743, by telephone at 834-6561, or by e-mail at yleves@pivot.net.