GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - A disabled veteran and his family have waited two years to build their home with the help of Habitat for Humanity.
In just a few months, they will move into that new home.
Construction began last month, and on Monday, the family was joined by a few members of the Packers’ practice squad, as the team gives back to veterans ahead of its “Salute to Service” game next Monday night.
There’s just over a week until Veterans’ Day, and communities and organizations are already working to honor those who’ve served.
Among them are the Green Bay Packers, working with Habitat for Humanity to give back to a local veteran and his family.
“I was kind of floored; I didn’t expect it. They just called me in the office and told me it was happening. I said Alright, we’ll be there,” Bob, a veteran, said.
Fighting back tears, Bob is overwhelmed by the generosity he and his wife, Janet, have received and the opportunity to build a home with Packers players.
“To have the Packers players here, too? Wow. Amazing,” Bob said.
Players like Lecitus Smith, who said his family never owned a home while he was growing up, understand how impactful something like this can be.
“It feels good to help the next person. What you can do to make their life easier will make you feel good as an individual. That’s how I feel,” Smith said.
The Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity says this is a wonderful way to highlight the help they provide for veterans.
“It’s great to honor them for the work that they did and the sacrifice they made for our county,” Jessica Diederich, Executive Director and CEO of Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity, said.
Bob said he found out about Habitat’s support for veterans online and wants to get the word out so more people know that’s available.
“It’s something else. making other veterans aware, too. That’s important,” Bob said.
Brought to tears by the generosity of so many others, Bob and Janet, as well as their son, will get to move into their new home in the spring.
“No, never. I thought I’d do it on my own, but it’s harder than people think when you’re on disability and you have a disability,” Bob said.
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