Veterans across the South Plains got together Friday morning to help one of their own, even in more than 100-degree weather.
“I’m not going to use it today. I’m going swimming this afternoon,” said Sam Beavers, a Navy veteran.
VetStar volunteers didn’t let the heat stop them.
“It’s a gap that we fill in the community where a lot of the organizations can’t act. That’s who we are. That’s what we do,” said Andrew Gilpin with VetStar.
Sam Beavers had supplies to build a shed, which he said were sitting in a box for nearly three years.
However, Friday was the day to take out supplies and get to work.
“Here we are today, and the only thing I’m doing is supervising and sweating,” he said.
Beavers has Parkinson’s disease, and he said that’s why he needed a little help.
“My strength is not there anymore. I can do some things, but not very long,” Beavers said.
That’s when the VetStar Task Force Lubbock stepped in.
“If any veteran needs our help with something like this. Something they just can’t do themselves and shouldn’t have to pay to have someone do,” said Gilpin.
“I got in contact with him through the Vet Center, where I get my PTSD classes. He talked to me over the phone, and he came out and saw what we needed to do. He said, ‘Leave it to me,’ and took care of it from there,” Beavers said.
They do more than build sheds. They’ve painted houses and cleaned up yards.
“It’s something you can’t get through any other means. To be able to be with other veterans acting as veterans, and doing something for other veterans,” said Gilpin.
There was one more thing Beavers had to ask for.
“VetStar, please don’t send me a bill,” he said.
Don’t worry, they won’t send him a bill. If you know a veteran who needs help, you can visit VetStar on their Facebook here or call them at 806-470-9317.