Local War Veterans Help Fellow Vet Rebuild In Sandy's Aftermath
By Robin Rieger
TUCKERTON BEACH, Nj. (CBS) -- From the best of times on the water, to the worst of times, caused by the water. This is the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Tuckerton Beach, Ocean County, where many peoples' belongings still line the roads. In some areas of this bay community, foundations are all that's left of several homes.
It's where Andy Jackson has been hard at work on his home.
"We're all in panic mode right now because you're coming out of devastation," said Jackson, an officer with the American Legion, Department of New Jersey.
Flood waters filled his home with almost two feet of water. His furniture is gone, walls and floors taken apart, but his spirit remains intact, thanks to fellow U.S. Navy and Army veterans from his local American Legion post helping him rebuild.
"They came immediately," Jackson said. "Some of them are coming to my house and going to somebody else's house right afterward."
Jackson says Women's Army Corp veteran Mary Janish offered him, his wife and son the spare bedroom in her home. They helped each other.
"She was a little nervous about being by herself anyway," Jackson said, "so she called up and said 'Andy I know you're in the flood area, so when you get out, why don't you come over to my house,'"
He says supplies for the community came Saturday from Veterans groups from Middle Township and Wildwood.
"Food and water and blankets and clothing," said Jackson.
He says more supplies will be needed going forward, especially for those without flood insurance.
"Sheet rock, or insulation or nails or rebuilding tools," Jackson said. "I feel lucky for the minimal amount of damage compared to what others lost."
To see how you can donate supplies, reach out to your local veterans organization click here.
