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 The NYC Union Carpenters & Contractors, along with the Holbrook Fire Department, participated in a parade on May 16, 2009 for a GI who is returning home after being injured overseas. The community of Holbrook, NY, as well as the carpenters and firefighters, welcomed Corporal Christopher Levi, 25, at the Long Island MacArthur Airport, for his first time home since his duty overseas. The Holbrook Fire Department and NYC Union Carpenters & Contractors made sure he returned to a comfortable home by making it handicap accessible for him.
The Corporal spent several months recovering from a serious injury at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC before returning to New York. He has lost both of his legs and needs to live in a house that will allow him to perform everyday tasks. The Corporal’s mother sent out numerous letters to the community asking for help and support for her son, who was coming home handicapped. Upon hearing about the Soldier’s story, Mike Barhold, a Commissioner at the Holbrook Fire Department and Union Carpenter, immediately contacted his fellow union brothers for their help.
 Work began on the house in November of 2008 and was completed soon before the Corporal’s return. The newly renovated house includes wider hallways, lowered countertops, better electric and air conditioning functions, and even new landscaping, siding and a concrete ramp for wheelchair access. “I am proud to be part of such a strong, supportive group. I was amazed to hear that without a second thought, 13 union carpenters immediately agreed to get involved out of the goodness of their hearts. It’s truly inspirational,” said Mr. Barhold. It was these men who made it possible for Corporal Christopher Levi to come home and lead a somewhat normal life again. |
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