Project X 2017 Map Recipient: 80-year-old Korean War Veteran Receives Free Air Conditioner
US Air Force Staff Sargent Al B. wrote to the team at NEXGEN with an incredible background story:
"I enlisted out of high school in the US Air Force, on Sept. 13, 1955, during the Korean War. Went to tech school after basic and became an Aircraft & Engine Mech. Graduated, 3rd in my class. Was deployed to Bitburg, Germany, and assigned to an off-base missile/launcher crew. I had married just prior to my assignment to Germany. Served here for almost 3 years before being called and reassigned stateside to be closer to my Mother & Father who was dying of cancer. (I was an only child). My Dad got to meet his first Grandchild before being called Home. At the end of my tour, I received an honorable discharge. I got a job at a nearby National Guard Base and was trained on an F100C fighter jet. Upon completion of my training, I was asked by the Department of the US Air Force if I'd re-enlist for special duty related to the end of the war cleanup in Korea. My family had grown to include 3 young boys by now; my wife at the time and I talked the matter over knowing it would mean possible deployment. We decided I would sign up and come to the aid of my country once again. I experienced several deployments over the next almost 10 years at which point I needed to reunite with my family and was again Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sargent in July of 1965.
I'm currently 2 months shy of turning 81 years of age, retired, and living off my Social Security. I had remarried when my wife of 38 years was called Home about 5 years ago after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. Most of my time now is given to helping others with cancer and other issues. I cook meals, drive them to doctor appointments, shopping, and church, pray for them and try to serve their needs in any way I can. For the past 1 1/2 years, I've been recovering from throat cancer myself and was recently pronounced cured. I'm getting back in the grove of helping others along with my new wife. Over the past few months, I've had issues with my current A/C system. It's over 21 years old, costing me dearly in power usage and I've had to have it serviced with Freon @ $90.00 a pound over the past 6 months. I'm told it's beyond repair and needs to be replaced. I'm between a rock and hard spot because I can't afford a new unit although the temps right now, today, and for the rest of this week, are going to be in the 102's & 103's. Between doctor bills and everyday basic needs, I frequently have to steal from some bills to pay others.
To be drawn as a winner of a new A/C system would be a blessing beyond belief and not soon forgotten!!
At any rate, thank you so much for what you're doing for my fellow VETS and ACTIVE DUTY Brothers & Sisters. Bless you and your crew for your kindness!! Sincerely, Al"
Of course, the team at NEXGEN couldn't read the story of a man like Al without reaching out to help him. In June of 2017, Al was named as our Military Appreciation Program Recipient for a brand new, fully-installed AC unit.
Al tells a bit about his experience from NEXGEN: "In short order, I received a call from SEAN (a partner with NEXGEN AIR) asking to visit our home and look at our tired old air conditioner. He showed up right on time and checked out the old unit while we talked. Sean asked me if I’d be available in about a week so he and his crew to come and install a completely new air conditioning system! I was caught off guard and speechless!! I cried tears of thanks to GOD for answering our prayers and to Sean and the NEXGEN AIR crew for their recognition. Sean said I don’t have to thank him because I earned this honor by my service in the military as well as my attitude and actions in doing for others as a civilian."
Here at NEXGEN, we are profoundly grateful for the service of our military personnel and their families. We are even more grateful to have the opportunity to give back and support our community. It is the least we can do to honor and serve those who help keep our country free!
If you or someone you know should be considered for our MAP program, please visit Project X for more information and nominations!
"It’s the actions of NEXGEN Air and all of you that extend your thanks to the military that helps bring the United States of America together as a united team. On behalf of myself and ALL my military brothers and sisters, past, present and future, THANK YOU, AND WE SALUTE ALL OF YOU! GOD BLESS AMERICA" - Al