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Oct 15, 2008 6:01 pm US/Central
Strangers Come Out To Fix Iraq Vet's Home
(WCCO)
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Two years ago a roadside bomb blew up the truck Hallberg was in while serving in Iraq.
CBS
"Minnesota Nice" isn't just a saying to one young man in Andover.
Ryan Hallberg faced many tough battles as a soldier in Iraq. Now that he's back in Minnesota, volunteers are doing what they can to make his life at home easier.
On Wednesday, Hallberg 's home got the updating it desperately needs.
"The fact they come out -- donated time and effort, standing in the cold -- is huge," he said.
Two years ago a roadside bomb blew up the truck Hallberg was in while serving in Iraq.
He fought off the enemy until help arrived. One of his fellow soldiers was killed.
Hallberg's own right leg was severely injured and doctors later had to amputate it.
He received the bronze star for his actions, but since coming back to Minnesota, he's faced a different battle.
"The benefit side of it, on the other hand, has been red tape and paperwork and fighting to get this -- fighting to get that," Hallberg said.
Veterans benefits are hard to get, he said. Money is so tight, he worried about how he would heat his home this winter with windows and doors that leak air and old siding.
That's why contractor Chris Skogman helped organize a small group of people to re-do just about everything. They put in new windows, new siding, gutters and more.
"We just want him to be happy and feel like it's home," said Skogman.
A Minnesota non-profit group, called the
Bryan McDonough Military Heroes Foundation, donated $13,000 to buy all the materials for the project.
"With what Ryan has to go through, it's just a great opportunity to give something back, and it goes such a long way," Skogman said.
The work will be done just in time for Veteran's Day.
"To see everyone come together, it really means a lot," said Hallberg.
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