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Veterans help disabled vet
1128-Ramp-3
A group of volunteers stand on the finished product. - photo by Photo provided.

On Nov. 20, veterans made a difference. Members of American Legion Post 168 of Hinesville built a handicap ramp for a disabled veteran.
Dave Willis, an Air Force veteran, has lost both of his legs to diabetes, restricting him to his home and a wheelchair.
His grandson, Jamie, had put up a temporary ramp, but it was hard for two or three of his family to get him up and out.
Medicare had built Willis a handicap ramp when he lived in Texas, but when he moved to Liberty County to live with his daughter, he was on his own. Medicare will build one, but if you move you are responsible for the next ramp.
Willis’ daughter, Nancy, had asked for help to the Walthourville Fire Department, who in turn called American Legion Post Commander Roy Owens. Owens talked to some of his members and they took on the project. Within seven hours the ramp was completed.
“This little bit of effort gives Mr. Willis a lot of freedom,” Mike Smith said as he thanked Harris Ace Hardware, which donated all the materials, and Express Signs, which made a sign advertising the project. Both businesses are in Hinesville.
Owens credited the success of the project to Jay Yarborough, Ed Hoffman, Craig Eiller, Julian Saenz, Chris Mitchell, Larry Parker, Scott Simpson and Mike Smith and all members of Fred L. Ginter Post 168 of the Legion.
“Working with these retired veterans is an honor and I’m very proud to be associated with these men. I look forward to doing it again. I want to thank all members of Post 168 for their moral support during this project,” Owens said.

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