COCOA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
More than 30 volunteers spent their day off giving back at Albert Reuschel's home on Ivy Drive, as part of Cocoa's "Veterans Day House Clean Up."
Reuschel couldn't be more excited. "They're going to paint for one thing. That's an important thing. I don't climb the latter as well as I used to anymore. So it's good they're doing this I appreciate it."
Volunteer painters had the front of the house looking new in less than an hour, some using big rollers getting the larger areas, while others were using smaller brushes and paying close attention to detail.
Around back, Reuschel couldn't believe his eyes. "They're picking up stuff that I never even knew I had any more."
Reuschel served in the air force during the Korean conflict. He's 82 now, and some of this upkeep just became too much for him.
One guy mowed the overgrown back yard, while others pruned trees and tore down the dilapidated fence. Two brothers, ages three and five, are the youngest volunteers. They helped pull weeds and moved boards. Once the fence came down, volunteers built a new one.
"It's wonderful!" Reuschel said.
Everyone including Cocoa's mayor, the police chief, several officers and firefighters, and school kids pitched in to help. Reuschel gladly worked up a sweat right along with them.
Home Depot donated all the supplies, plus a few team leaders. They even threw in an outdoor dining set so that Reuschel and his wife can enjoy their new and improved back yard.
While the volunteers appreciate this elderly vet's service, Reuschel could not have been more appreciative of the dozens of helping hands.
"Thanks a million!" he told them.
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