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Organizations give back to local Veteran through home beautification

A Veteran living in Jackson County is receiving home repairs through volunteers from Home Depot, the Home Depot Foundation and Bearded Warriors.

FACKLER, Ala. — Veterans have given so much to our country and some organizations in Alabama want to give back through home improvements. Volunteers from Bearded Warriors, Home Depot and the Home Depot Foundation are helping to make one Veterans home-life more comfortable.

Albert Hutchens is the brother of U.S. Army Veteran George T. Hutchens and says, "his body has kind of worn out on him…but he still does what he needs to do."

George Hutchens is recovering from a medical procedure and when he returns home, he'll be met with a few surprises.

Ty Oswald, founder of local nonprofit, Bearded Warriors, shares, "we're out here rebuilding a ramp and a front porch landing at his house. We're creating a rear deck patio area for him, a pergola and a patio area for him to come outside and hang out and enjoy the outdoors. And then just a lot of yard cleanup and organization just to make his daily life a little bit easier."

Bearded Warriors, Home Depot, and the Home Depot Foundation work together to give back to those, like Mr. Hutchens, who have served our country.

Oswald adds, "this is a really great way to show him that his service is not forgotten within the community and that of up to 100 volunteers over today and tomorrow are giving their personal time to come out and show their gratitude for his service."

These volunteers have been busy, turning an unused well into a tree-ring planter, cleaning out bushes, and building safe ways for Hutchens to both enter and leave his home.

For many volunteers there's a special connection. 

Austin Hooie, the Merchandising assistant Store Manager at the Scottsboro Home Depot says, "my grandfather was a Veteran and so being able to kind of help them out, it's a special place in my heart and just giving back and doing the right thing for people."

And through partnerships with a local roofing company and Vandy's Heating and Air Conditioning, Hutchens will receive a long-awaited new roof and new air system.

His brother says Hutchens is a great guy who's always willing to help another, "my mom and dad always encouraged [that] if you're willing to help somebody else, in the long run, you'll get your awards. So, he's getting his award…I'm proud of that." 

The Home Depot Foundation and Bearded Warriors help Veterans throughout the year. Bearded Warriors welcomes the public to volunteer as well as nominating Veterans in need through their social media or website.

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