Just call it an early Christmas present. And one well deserved.
Decorated World War II veteran Walter Gilbert and his wife Mary are both 95 and still manage to live in their own home. But they have some mobility issues, including difficulty with stairs. such as the ones from their home.
That’s where a group of Mansfield firefighters and the town veterans office is pitching in.
About a half-dozen firefighters left their regular shift Friday morning and headed over to the couple’s West Street home to install a ramp Veterans Agent Michael Raymond was able to get for the Gilberts.
One of the reasons Gilbert needs the ramp is because of injuries to his legs he suffered in the war.
Gilbert has a lift for the stairs inside his home, but finds the outdoor stairs difficult to use.
On top of that, his wife broke her leg, and she was in a plastic boot for weeks. The couple rely primarily on walkers but do have a donated wheelchair also given to them by the veterans agent.
“The guy is an amazing individual,” Fire Capt. John Terry said.
HT: TAH