Senior Corps; Veterans & Military Families, Wellness

Nominee: Dan Noyes, RSVP Program Coordinator, Morrisville, VT

Background: Marine GySgt Chris Genetti, while serving in Iraq as Squad Leader for the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, suffered serious injuries from an explosion during a surprise attack. GySgt Genetti was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star with a Combat “V” for bravery. During the ensuring rehabilitation years, he has undergone 10 separate surgeries to remove shrapnel and attempt repairs on a crushed disk. These days, Chris needs a cane just to be able to hobble around.

As a civilian, Chris discovered that his family responsibilities were overwhelming since he has trouble walking or standing and is always in pain. “I’m just not able to be the dad or husband I need to be,” said Chris, “It’s really very difficult.” Although he’s certainly grateful to be alive, the things he’s unable to do are always uppermost in his mind and have created occasional periods of depression. There were reams of paperwork exchanged between Chris and the Veterans Administration as he tried to clarify his physical impairments coupled with the continued uncertainty as to whether the disability recommendation from his doctors would be sustained. During this time, the cost of his medications together with very limited income destined the Genetti family to a very uncomfortable existence.

Actions: Dan Noyes, the RSVP Program Coordinator for Lamoille County (VT), heard that the Genetti family was uncomplainingly enduring an overcrowded kitchen in their small home, which was both dangerous and featured many building code violations. He immediately devised an action plan, applied to the Home Depot Foundation for a grant and received $2500 for new cabinets and other kitchen upgrades. He also acquired $1,000 from Alpine SnowGuards of Morrisville, VT and $100 from Peak Entertainment of Burlington, VT. Finally, Dan contacted Hammel Appliances of Wolcott, VT, whose owner agreed to donate appliances because his father had served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam.

Dan recruited a total of 10 RSVP volunteer craftsmen, several of whom were former Marines, to work in the kitchen demolition, cabinet installation, plumbing, wiring and other duties as needed. He reckons that he and his volunteers have worked more than 200 hours to complete this project.

Outcome Achieved: Most importantly, Dan recognized that if Chris was involved in every detail of his own project, this would allow the Marine to envision what he might do for other veterans. Although many veterans are reluctant to seek community assistance, Dan is confident that a veteran-to-veteran relationship will overcome obstacles and smooth the way to support those who have given the most for their country. In anticipation of their future activities, the duo has already created operational documents for each new project by identifying key volunteers to be recruited, material suppliers and project leaders. Dan & Chris just recently met with area nonprofits and local veterans groups to identify ex-military individuals and families with issues and recruit RSVP volunteers to continue this critically important endeavor.