Health & Fitness
World War II Vet Demonstrates His Resilence....
This article is about a local 88 year - old WWII vet and his wife who won't leave his house, until everything is back to work as usual.
I can't really believe what I am seeing, but a local veteran won't leave his home after his basement was engulfed in water, during this all too vicious storm known to us, as Sandy. Unfortunately, his furnace, electrical box and washer and dryer, all of which were housed in his basement - are gone! The contents of his garage housed many an item to treasure - especially for any "Mr. Fix-its" or garage sale hoppers looking for some old stuff in good condition. Various pieces of china, some odds and ends with faint memories attached that were purchased over the years, by himself and his bride of sixty years. Everything - all gone to the garbage dump. To top it off, his 2010 American made car was burned to a crisp, caught on fire at 3:00 am the night of the storm. Oh, and some boat landed in his backyard from across the river.
As the storm hit, the two feet of ususal storm water came in, and the sump pump was doing it's thing. Silence and relief of witnessing the possible end results of the storm were hopefully near, but all of a sudden, there was that dreaded storm surge, that sent the water up to the top of his kitchen door, about 9 feet.
The next day his plan was set in motion, get rid of the water, ASAP! His family member - Rescue 1 was on the way! But no phone charger for cell - that was gone with the car! So they joined the rest of the town - running around in circles for any supply that would make survival easier. By the end of day one - (day three after the storm) he was registered for FEMA, had his water pumped out, cleaned what he could of the debris, and had someone come to check the staus of his garage door. Next phase - unbeknownst to the stalwart vet, Rescue 2 team (family member) was on their way with supplies. As Rescue 2 arrives - so does a FEMA member, an electrician and a heating and cooling service. Rescue 3, 4, and 5 are on stand-by with some well needed advice in all areas, of survival.
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Day 9 of the Sandy storm and this 88 year old man has worked tirelessly throughout the day, often skipping meals, until he completes whatever immediate task is at hand. Members of his family have tried to plead with him to leave and take a break - but he refuses until the job is complete and power is restored.
Although many on his block, suffered worse damages to their first floor, losing living spaces, furniture and treasured items - and some their entire homes, he stands strong for his age. Realizing that when the town regains it's power, his still won't kick in without the necessary items that were lost. He moved to action! This 'purple heart' recipient is keeping his resolve to have his power go on - whenever they "flip the switch," in his small town by the sea.
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Thanks, Dad for all that you have taught me and my four other siblings throughout the years about hard work, fairness, honesty and fortitude. Through all of this I know that you and mom will drag your tired, cold, bodies to the poles to vote! You are THE GREATEST GENERATION!