My uncle who I cared for during the winter of his life always said, “please share your talents for bringing people together and fixing things with people who need it.”

I had the exceptional pleasure yesterday to do that for a wounded warrior and his wife who live not far away.

Instead of seeing my name on a wall at my alma mater, I met seven buddies and went to the home of two octogenarians who reminded me much of my uncle and his wife.

The man we honored is U.S. Army vet of the Korean Conflict. He was wounded during the war. He recovered, and had a good, solid working career. He and his wife raised a great family; 3 sons and a daughter.

Their children and six grandchildren met us, and along with my buddies, we did a rehab of their home to make it more accessible. My elderly friends were having more mobility problems.

We redid the floors so there were no steps any more. We installed new tile in the bath and kitchen. We installed a handicapped accessible toilet and walk-in tub. New directed LED lighting improved visibility of walking pathways.

Throughout the day, many fixes were done. We were very pleased with the results.

When we showed the homeowners how it all turned out, the vet turned on a waltz, and asked his wife to dance.

Not a dry eye in the house as we hugged and smiled at another mission accomplished. It was my extreme honor to lead the effort.

Life is short: give of your skills.