Story By Staff Reports

Veterans Helping Veterans volunteers came together May 10 to build a wheelchair ramp for James Grant, a Coast Guard veteran, and his fiancée, Mary Ruth Yon, helping prepare their home for married life.

Grant served as an E-5 in the United States Coast Guard from 1974-77, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge, he completed two additional years of inactive duty service.

An engine mechanic during his military career, Grant later worked in construction, carrying those skills into civilian life.

Now in his 70s, Grant said life changed unexpectedly when he found love.

“I was doing plum fine … and then the love bug bit me,” Grant said.

Grant and Yon met through a mutual friend after Yon prayed for companionship. What began with phone conversations grew into a close relationship built on faith, friendship and shared experiences.

The couple plans to marry in June.

The wheelchair ramp was constructed to allow safer access to the home they will share. Grant has difficulty navigating steps, while Yon uses a wheelchair.

Veterans Helping Veterans volunteers completed the project in about seven hours with the help of the organization’s auxiliary, which provided meals for workers throughout the day.

Yon was able to test the completed ramp immediately after construction.

“It is perfect!” she said.

Gary Capodanno provided the design and drawings for the project.

Veterans Helping Veterans is funded by VFW Post 6073 and American Legion Post 30. The organization focuses on assisting veterans through community-supported service projects.