Local veterans work with Habitat to build home for U.S. Navy vet

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A group of local veterans spent their Memorial Day building a house for a fellow veteran in need and his family.
 
"The bond is very tight," Gary Randolph said, adding it means a lot to him that they helped volunteer to do this. "Being a veteran, I am so grateful that they came out and really have given me support."
 
It's a bond that stretches back through time, Randolph explains: "All the veterans who served before me, they lost their lives to make it possible for me to be here."
 
This project is part of Habitat for Humanity's ongoing effort to revitalize the West Charlotte neighborhood.
 
John Baxter, a veteran himself, works with Habitat for Humanity.

"It's particularly special that we can honor living veterans in this way," he said.
 
Mid-morning, the group held a moment of silence to mark the day.
 
Volunteers painted the walls red, white and blue.
 
They also wrote messages to the family on the walls - a way to permanently mark their support.
 
Other veterans stopped by to show their support. Milas McClain served in World War II. Habitat for Humanity has also done repairs on his home.
 
McClain tells Channel 9, "It makes me feel good -- extra good -- knowing someone is there to give me a helping hand."
 
Randolph feels the same: "I give all the thanks to God and them."
 
Habitat for Humanity will hold a dedication ceremony for the house on July 3, the day before Independence Day.
 
Randolph and his family will move into their home by the end of that month.

WSOC