John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland Color Guard Raise the American Flag for local Veteran Assist!
Purple Heart Homes (PHH) the “Mission Complete Ceremony” at veteran Fred Smith’s residence located 108 Belvidere St on March 6, 2023.
American Legion Post 68 Color Guard presented the colors. PHH members and staff along with members of American Legion Post’s 68, 543 & MOAA were present to recognize the veteran for his service.
John E, Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland Color Guard Members: Ed Wojton, Jeff Harriman, Jamie Becker raise the American Flag to celebrate the completion of repairs to to army veteran Fredrick Smith’s house. His home was damaged in during the hurricane Florence storm.
Post 68 and Kobe Kelly of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America (NSVA), Island X-5, Cape Fear Chapter surveyed the extend of water damaged caused to the house flooring as well as damage to some supporting underlying joists and kitchen cabinets and countertops.
The Veterans Homeowner’s Insurance failed to cover the majority of the damage incurred. The veteran had taken it upon himself to attempt the repair process on his own, Attempts were first made by the veteran to seek assistance form the Veterans Administration but was unable to secure the needed assistance required in replacing flooring and damage to supporting joist and kitchen areas.
The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Service officer, Lane Adrian, Post 68 member Kobe Kelley, and American Legion Post 543 Service Officer Steve Muir surveyed the damage and prepared a detailed floor diagram listing the total square footage of hardwood flooring required to replace the damage flooring throughout the home.
A meeting was then held with the Lowes Home Improvement Company in Southport to request their assistance through their Hometown Hero’s program. Southport Lowes stepped up and provided the flooring necessary for the main living areas involving, Livingroom, dining, kitchen, and hallway. Donations from Lowes covered a good portion of the necessary repairs. The three bedrooms, two baths along with cabinets and counters in the kitchen needed additional funding assistance. Lowes stepped up again by aiding us and identifying another funding source.
The veteran’s house still needed a lot of materials and labor assistance in completing the task. The Lowes Corporate HQ representative contacted Purple Heart Homes (PHH), a national non-profit 501-C3 organization. PHH then contacted the veteran and after the veteran completed the necessary paperwork, agreed to provide the additional assistance needed to restore the home with new flooring, kitchen cabinets and counters.
As a result of this undertaking the costs incurred were covered by: Purple Heart Homes (PHH), two American Legion Posts: Leland, Post 68 and St. James, Post 543, along with the SENCLAD Military Offices Association of America (MOAA) have contributed financial assistance to complete the project.
Veterans and our community helping veterans – what a great day!
{photo #1: Left to right: Ed Wojton-CG, Jeff Harriman-CG, Lamar Austin-PHH, Lane Aidrian -Service Office Post 68, Jamie Becker – Sergeant at Arms Post 68; Phot #2: John E, Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland Color Guard: Ed Wojton, Jeff Harriman, Jamie Becker; Photo #3: Army Veteran/homeowner Fredrick Smith}