Decorative Concrete Patio Serves as a Gift of GratefulnessPennsylvania contractor donates his services to give back to a wounded hero
It's not often that we think of giving someone a decorative concrete patio as agift. But when John Truax got the opportunity to thank asoldier from his hometown who was severely wounded in Iraq, a patio was the perfect thing to give. Owner of Impressions in Concrete in Springfield, Penn., Truax's company specializes in poured in place and cast in place decorative concrete hardscapes. "My first reaction was 'Yes, I want to help," recalls Truax when he was approached by his friend, Tony Masimimo of The McKee Group. The McKee Group, a Philadelphia area builder had partnered with the Massachusetts based non-profit organization, Homes for Our Troops, which assists severely injured servicemen and women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. Truax participated by donating his services for the decorative concrete patio. "SGT Tan is a 25 year old hero who hails from the Olney Section of North Philadelphia, " according to the Homes for Our Troops website. "While serving in the United States Army, Sergeant Tan was deployed twice to Iraq. During his second deployment with the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, Pisey's vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. The injuries suffered by Pisey forced the eventual amputation of both of his legs. Currently, he is undergoing intense physical rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. His family's current home is inadequate as his brother must carry him to the second floor. With the help of local businesses, Pisey was given a new home specially suited to his particular needs as a double amputee."
Truax's contribution was a 750-square-foot backyard patio. Truax supplied the retainer wall system made of ledgestone surrounding the patio. He then poured concrete up to the edge of the ledgestone.
Because of a marshy area, Truax's crew had the challenge of excavating trails to get their trucks back behind the house. But regardless of the challenges installing the patio, Truax recalls, "Here this soldier was doing what he was asked and then 25 years old, born here and now he's lost his legs." When Pisey saw the patio, "he loved it," says Truax. Pisey's family and fellow soldiers were present at the ceremonial presentation where Pisey was given the gift of homeownership. John Truax stood nearby, grateful for Pisey's sacrifices and grateful for the opportunity to give back. Impressions in Concrete Submit Your Own Project Photos Read More About Concrete Stamping Return to Stamped Concrete Projects Find a Concrete Contractor 23 Services in 200 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 2008 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |
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