Gary Wetzel’s homecoming from the hospital
Last year, we talked about Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel, when he had a motorcycle accident. He’s been in the hospital nearly a year recovering from laying down his bike at 60 miles/hour. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he got a homecoming fit for the king that he is;
It was a far different homecoming for Gary Wetzel than when he returned from Vietnam.
The South Milwaukee police and fire department escort, a couple dozen Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, children holding “Gary-thank you for your service” and “Welcome Home” signs, friends and neighbors waving small American flags on Wednesday.
It took the entire community to prepare his home for him;
Wetzel’s wife Kathy said a fellow Medal of Honor recipient got in touch with actor Sinise, who readily agreed to pay for the renovations through his foundation.
“Nobody wants any recognition. No one wants to be thanked,” said Kathy Wetzel.
Contractors spent six weeks widening doors to 34 inches, gutting the kitchen, removing carpeting and installing wheelchair- and walker-friendly flooring. The bathroom vanity was changed and a pocket door installed for easier access.
The kitchen, where avid cook Wetzel spends a lot of time, was outfitted with new appliances, cupboards, countertops, flooring and recessed lighting.
Some folks worked without pay;
Some contractors refused payment, said Don Mitchen, project manager for Bartelt, The Remodeling Resource.
“There were so many good people who came together for this,” said Mitchen. “My plumber wouldn’t take a dime. A lot of our sub(contractors) believed in this from the bottom of their hearts.”
Category: We Remember
Faith in humanity restored.
The real Americans have shown up. Again.
IMHO, these folks and those like them are both the majority and what keeps America going.
^^^^^This^^^^^
Couldn’t say it better Graybeard. Thank you.
Kudos to these people, especially Mr. Sinise.
A very nice reminder that there are still plenty of good real people out there that give a damn.
REAL people helping out a REAL Hero! This is so damn cool. You folks in Milwaukee rock!
The lemmings in Hollywood must just crap themselves and look for the exits when Gary Sinise walks into the room. What a stud.
Well done!
SHACK!
Got dusty in here, dammit.
One Gary Sinise is worth a million Rosies, Juliannes, etc..
GOT-Damn it.
Which one of you fuckheads lobbed Onion Grenades into my cubicle?!?!?!
/wahhhhhhh
As Lt. Col. Mike Rabasca used to brief CINC PACAF during his quarterly IG safety briefing, “the unforgiving nature of motorcycle accidents”.
Makes my day to see stories like this. AND gives me hope for this country.
I am in awe of such men.
Gary Wetzel’s MoH Citation:
“Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire. Sp4c. Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown into a rice paddy and critically wounded by 2 enemy rockets that exploded just inches from his location. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. His machine gun was the only weapon placing effective fire on the enemy at that time. Through a resolve that overcame the shock and intolerable pain of his injuries, Sp4c. Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the automatic weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on the American troops and preventing them from moving against this strong enemy force. Refusing to attend his own extensive wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed out from loss of blood. Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewman. After an agonizing effort, he came to the side of the crew chief who was attempting to drag the wounded aircraft commander to the safety of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.”
Somehow, the term “hardcore badass” seems woefully inadequate.
Damn! It got dusty in here……
Yes this makes one wet in the eyes, and yes it reminds us of all the really decent people in the nation….good on them for this pro-bono work and best of luck to Mr. Wetzel in the future.