Videos For ‘Ramp It Up For Veterans’ Connect Vets Of All Ages And Eras

People Working Cooperatively volunteers came to rescue for Dora and Billy Wallace, whose Milford home’s flooring so saturated with moisture Dora feared they would one day just “fall into the basement.“

By Tom Callinan
Charitable Words

I didn’t realize it until the credit roll, but video projects Charitable Words Scholars have done for People Working Cooperatively in the past two ‘Ramp It Up For Veterans’ campaigns have connected veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War.

Featured here, Charitable Words videographer Rachel Kellerman’s compelling story about how PWC helped Korean War veteran Billy Wallace and his wife Dora stay in their deteriorating home. Last year, a video produced by Charitable Words Scholar Tyler Bell, a University of Cincinnati student and Marine veteran of Iraq, told the touching story about how PWC’ volunteers helped 98-year-old World War II combat nurse Anna Fields stay in her home.

And this year’s video was made possible by a grant from the George and Margaret McLane Foundation, arranged by trustee Jim Wellinghoff, a friend and fellow Vietnam veteran.

It’s uplifting to see such collaboration, collective impact, across generations to provide veterans in need a lasting peace in their homes.

Since 2012, the “Ramp It Up For Veterans” has served over 2,500 veterans with critical home repairs and modifications.

Here are two stories about PWC’s service to those who served:

Dora and Billy Wallace, a Korea War era submariner

This year’s video about the Wallaces tells the story of PWC volunteers coming to rescue in a home in which plumbing problems were causing critical damage, with flooring so saturated with moisture Dora feared they would one day just “fall into the basement.”

Two hip replacements and back problems have limited Dora’s mobility, and PWC’s improvements made the home they love a more safe and comfortable place to stay. Billy, who served with the Navy submarine fleet in the Korean War era, is disabled with dementia but finds peace and comfort walking in the field or their Milford home.

While Dora did the talking in the video interview, Billy spoke volumes with his smile as he looked at photos of his submarine memories. His soft harmonica background track on the video conveyed his joy in the peace and comfort of his home.

Doris said she “can never thank the people enough” who came in and saved their home.

“This is nobody’s castle,” she said. “But it’s home.”

Anna Fields, WWII combat nurse

Last year’s video by student veteran Tyler Bell was shown on Fountain Square’s big screen at “Ramp It Up For Veterans” kickoff and was instrumental in helping PWC raise $290,000 by Veterans’ Day:

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

About People Working Cooperatively:

People Working Cooperatively is a unique, non-profit organization serving low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners. PWC strengthens communities by providing professional, critical home repairs, weatherization, modification, and maintenance services to help residents stay safely in their homes.

Now in its 39th year, PWC has provided more than 250,000 services to eligible clients, who on average earn about $13,500 a year. Typically, these individuals face challenges due to illness, disability, job loss or other circumstances.

To donate or volunteer, please visit:

People Working Cooperatively’s web site.

About Charitable Words:

Charitable Words Scholars connects nonprofits with students and recent graduates, volunteer advisors and pro bono resources to help nonprofits “shape and share their stories to the right audiences on the right platforms.”

Since 2012, more than 50 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky students and recent graduates have been assigned to more than 30 nonprofits in internships and special assignments.

Please consider helping sponsor the work by Charitable Words Scholars – and please share this with your friends and family using our social media links below. Comments are also welcome on those sites.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT CHARITABLE WORDS SCHOLARS

Thank you!

Special thanks: Michael Keating, a veteran Enquirer photojournalist and Charitable Words volunteer advisor, provided guidance in video editing. Sheilah Day, a Gateway Community College and Northern Kentucky University student and U.S. Army National Guard veteran assisted with logistics.