H2H and Union Volunteers Help Veteran in Windsor Locks, CT
Donating the Labor
(Re-printed with permission from WTN.com - Hartford, CT)
Windsor Locks (WTNH) - Connecticut tradesmen are helping a soldier adjust to life after being
seriously wounded in Iraq.
Volunteers are giving Barry Albert's home on Suffield Street in Windsor Locks the makeover it
needs to accommodate his new way of life.
Albert, 43, lived there for 10 years before he lost his leg while serving in Iraq. He was
driving the lead vehicle in a convoy when all four vehicles were attacked in Al Hillah in May. Even
though he knew he'd probably bleed to death, Albert kept driving to help save his passengers. He is
still undergoing rehab.
Local building trade unions are donating the labor through the national Helmets to Hardhats
program. The tradesmen are taking vacation days and coming from all over the state.
"Bristol, New Haven, Waterford, really nobody within 50 miles of this place where they live,"
said Bruce Lydmen of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.
"Along with doing this work we've offered him a job in the administrative end at his leisure
when he wants," said Rich Ekler of Helmets to Hardhats.
Albert thinks he can return to his old job, but having a handicap access home complete with
ramps and extra large doors for his wheelchair will make it a lot easier for him and his family.
"Just getting around the house is really hard. I'm not a fast walker because my prosthesis is
so high, so I really walk slow, so I like to get in the chair at night when I'm tired," said
Albert. "That helps me get in and out of the house and what not."
A lot of local suppliers are also providing materials, but volunteers could use more.
Carpenters were running out of nails today and the local American legion post is still working.
"We have a few short comings, and we're still raising funds, the furnace needs to be
replaced...a few other odds and ends," said David Booth of the Gensi-Viola Post No. 36
They started working here on Monday, the plan is to be done by next Friday. The legion is
putting Albert and his family up in a local hotel until then. His rehab should be done in a
month.
