Local contractors aid wounded soldier

Just days after the massacre of unsuspecting soldiers and innocent civilians at Fort Hood, Texas, the National office of the Veterans of Foreign Wars notified me that one of the wounded was a member of Elgin's Watch City VFW Post 1307.

As commander of the post, I contacted the family of SSG Miguel Valdivia to offer any help we could provide. As he laid in the hospital, Miguel sent me an e-mail asking if I could refer a good plumber to his parents here in Elgin who had a leak in their basement bathroom. I sent out a broadcast e-mail looking for referrals.

Almost immediately, former State Rep. Ruth Munson and former city councilman Tom Sandor responded, referring me to the local trade unions. I got a call from F.J. Bero & Co. Plumbing. After checking the problem at the family home, Jeff Bero decided that more than a quick fix was needed, so he called his friends and I joined them to assess the situation. People from Bernardoni Electric and Shales McNutt Construction agreed a complete makeover was in order.

They took over to help the Valdivia family. The bathroom was gutted and everything was replaced including walls, floor, ceiling, plumbing and electrical. They even fixed a few electrical problems elsewhere in the house and replaced another toilet while they were there. All of this talent and hard work was provided at no cost to the family.

There are a lot of businesses out there who "talk the talk" of supporting our troops, but that's where it ends. In this case, our neighborhood craftsmen "walk the walk."

I write this in hopes that the community will recognize and remember these gentlemen for their good work. On behalf of Miguel, who is recovering from two surgeries to repair his leg, the Valdivia family and the members of VFW Post 1307, my deep respect and sincere thanks go out to these home front patriots.

Doc Sheehan

Commander

Watch City VFW Post 1307

Elgin