A 97-year-old World War II veteran is back on his feet thanks to a local non-profit group.
Purple Heart Homes provides housing solutions for disabled veterans and has given local vet Lou Russo restored confidence in the country he fought so hard for.
A bad fall inside his New Fairfield home put Russo out of commission for 16 long months. The disabled veteran was placed in a nursing home and when he was finally able to go home, he found that his house had been gutted along with the heating system.
“I knew that that would be so expensive that it would be almost too hard to put up with financially,” said Russo.
That’s when Purple Heart Homes stepped in. They contacted Henry Abbott Technical High school and tasked their HVAC and electrical students with the opportunity to put their skills to the test.
“It was a lot of educational hands on value for the kids but it was also they got a sense of what it was like to be a good citizen by doing the work as well,” said Mike Young, Plumbing and Heating Instructor.
In went a brand new boiler, a new water heater and lots of positive energy from students eager to help.
“We wanted it perfect for Mr. Russo,” said HVAC student Nicole Raymunt.
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“To give back to someone that actually needs it was a great feeling,” said plumbing student Marcus Harrison.
The finished product left a lasting mark on Russo, completely overwhelmed with gratitude for all their hard.
“Seeing all you people here today has renewed my confidence in young America,” said Russo.
