Members of the LCPL Justin D. McLeese Detachment leaped at the opportunity to help a
102-year-old World War II Veteran. Three members from the detachment joined with the New Orleans Veterans Coalition to repair the fence of Frederick Lonzo.
Lonzo, a resident of New Orleans East, has waited patiently for this moment since Hurricane Ida blew down his fence in 2021. Lonzo's daughter and caretaker told WDSU the storm left the two outer gates when it took out the fence. Lonzo's fence is just one of the many concerns for the Veteran.
On July 20th, Carols Urbina, Steve Chesne and Shannon McGuire answered the New Orleans Veterans Coalition call for volunteers. They spent their Saturday with other Veterans and volunteers to replace the fence and they completed a few other home repairs.
Lonzo is a member of a generation that bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy and island hopped across the Pacific. A generation that is tough as nails and dwindling.
We can never repay the debt this generation paid for our freedoms, but that will not stop us from trying. Which is why when one needs help, veterans like Shannon McGuire move heaven and earth for the greatest generation.
McGuire said collaborating with other veterans and volunteers for a World War II Veteran is the least we can do for a member of the greatest generation
Helping Veterans is the primary mission of the LCPL Justin D. McLeese Detachment.
We honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for our country, and we also honor those who are still with us through community service, and friendship.
Months after Ida, Members of the LCPL Justin D. McLeese Detachment helped Steve Chesne with repairs to his home and they also picked up storm debris for other veterans throughout the North Shore.
The detachment does not limit their activities to the North Shore. When it comes to helping Veterans, the detachment will go where they are needed. Which is why Urbina, Chesne and McGuire traveled to New Orleans East to help Lonzo.
Steve Chesne said he left Lonzo's home with a full heart and he was happy to help, but we need to do more for the ones that are still here.
According to WDSU there are other Veterans on Lonzo's street struggling with home repairs and other issues.
Jackson Smith, New Orleans Veterans Coalition, told the media that 15,000 Veterans live in the area that qualify for their assistance.
Smith pointed out a neighbor that cuts the grass for Lonzo. Smith said 68-year-old Veteran, Mr. James lost his home to a fire, and despite that catastrophic loss he still cuts Lonzo's grass.
Veterans like James, Smith, Urbina, Chesne and McGuire are working hard to help other Veterans, but there is more to do. That is where groups like the Marine Corps League LCPL Justin D. McLeese Deatchment and other Detachments come in. Together we can help all of our Veterans.
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