Solon Economou

AMVETS raise the roof for Veterans Day

"Veterans Helping Veterans"

The crew from Healy Brothers Construction donated labor and expertise.

Cape Cod AMVETS Post 333 has literally raised the roof for Veterans Day.  And added one more chapter to the AMVETS motto, "Veterans Helping Veterans."

Three weeks ago Post 333 was contacted by the VA center in Hyannis regarding a Gulf War disabled vet in need of assistance.  The Air Force vet had lost her husband and has a teenage girl.  She was diagnosed with cancer, lost her jobs, and almost lost her house.  After long and painful treatment, the cancer is in remission.

But her roof and kitchen ceiling were another story.  A group from AMVETS went over to inspect the "leak" and discovered the entire roof needed replacement, and fast.  Water was pouring in, and heat was pouring out.  The AMVETS temporarily covered the roof with a tarp and put the call out to get the job done by Veterans Day.  The new roof was installed on Monday, November 9, two days ahead of time.

This was a true community effort involving AMVETS, local businesses and organizations, and individual Cape Codders.  The labor and expertise were donated by Healy Brothers Construction, the roof shingles by Mid-Cape Home Centers, and the disposal container by Nauset Disposal.  Volunteers too numerous to mention will do the ceiling, the floors, and related work.

The vet is now attending Nursing School at Cape Cod Community College hoping to give back to those in need.  And living in a dry, warm house.

Veterans Day services:

• Cape Cod AMVETS Post 333 will hold a Veterans Day service at 11am on Wednesday, November 11, at Merrill Park on Route 28 in West Dennis. 
• A Veterans Day service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, November 11, at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church on Route 6A in Barnstable. It will include a color guard and patriotic music.  Featured speaker will be Yarmouth Police LT Steve Xiarhos, father of our fallen AMVET brother, Marine CPL Nick Xiarhos.

All are invited to attend these services or any of the other Veterans Day services being held on Cape Cod to honor our vets.  Remember, all gave some, some gave all.