For nearly two years, Pete Alexander, a U.S. Army combat physician, has been waiting to add a disabled access ramp to his mobile home in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. He broke his back in a car accident a few years ago, and now he has to use forearm crutches and has fallen down the stairs enough times to limit leaving home only when necessary.

His neighbor Lisa Twaddell has done everything she can to help Alexander, but she thinks he needs more help.

Therefore, she contacted Betty Kennedy, who was a member of the American Legion 626 Auxiliary Unit in Birdsboro, and he was also active in the US Legion Cavalier Chapter of Post 626. With the efforts of the entire American Legion family after 626, Alexander installed a ramp in his home, and some surrounding ALR branches stepped in to help.

"In terms of building access ramps, this is the first time for us," said Chris Svenda, Chapter 626 Highway Captain and 626 Post Office member of the American Veterans Association. "From time to time we encounter some other smaller needs, but this need is redundant for us. But (Alexander) basically became a locked-in person because he can no longer negotiate his steps. ."

After learning of Alexander's plight, Swenda made a list of materials needed to complete the project, totaling approximately US$1,400. In the subsequent meeting to assist Alexander, it was unanimously approved. The Post 626 Home Association, which oversees the facility and its social area, contributed about 80% of the total cost of the project. Chapter 626 also has some money that can be used through its operating account. The additional fundraising is responsible for the rest of the expenses.

Swenda also announced the news of the project through weekly emails sent to members of the Legion Family of Post 626 and the department’s Region 6 American Legion Riders chapter. Result: Three riders from Chapter 184 of East Greenville appeared on the day of construction, and another group of riders from Chapter 234 of Suderton also appeared to make a financial donation.

"What I want to say is that in the past seven or eight months, as the COVID situation started to recover, our zone 6 riders really started to become active and began to unite more," Svenda said. "Through the email chain, we almost all know what we are doing and we can support each other. This is fantastic. The reality is together and we are stronger. We can do more. This is the true establishment of Zone 6. Something... it's really trying to build some friendships and build some lasting friendships."

The construction of the 40-foot ramp started at around 8 am and was completed at 2 pm that day, in compliance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ramp is wide enough for the wheelchair to turn around completely, and Alexander can easily enter his front door.  

56-year-old Alexander watched the construction there. Svenda and others said the veteran was not a person seeking help or complaining.

Alexander reiterated this to the Reading Eagle. "The problem is, I didn't ask," he said. "They brought everyone together like a platoon. They did it like a godsend."

Alexander's reaction to the slope made Svenda emotional. "When I said it was very heartwarming, I thought I could speak for our entire chapter," he said. "I didn't meet Pete until the day we went out to do that job. Personally, I have a servant's heart. That comes from my grandmother. My family and I spent a lot of summer vacations on mission trips. We. Teach middle and high school kids to do home repairs. To be able to turn it into this point in life to help veteran brothers and veteran sisters is almost indescribable to me."

Svenda also said that this effort would not have happened without the participation of the entire legion family. "This is indeed a team effort by Riders and Post 626," he said. "Without everyone on the boat and asking for help, none of this would happen."

News of a ramp for Alexandria has led to Chapter 626 agreeing to build a ramp for a family of a local veteran in December.

"We will look for more projects to help our veterans," Svenda said. "We hope to continue to carry out this type of work to help meet the needs of veterans. This type of work directly affects the quality of life of those in need. That is where rubber meets the road. This is the first time that we can see what we can do. The possibility of something kind of ignited the enthusiasm for service.

"This is a practical way, not only our riders-we have the support from the commander to the entire position... including (sons of the American Legion), auxiliary personnel, family associations and legionaries-all can work together Work, do what we can do as much as possible."

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The American Veterans Association was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization dedicated to mutual assistance.