One morning, Albert Goldberg walked into Home Depot in search of a few items for his home. What the 93-year old veteran didn’t expect was to leave with new friends and a plan for a much-needed renovation at his Brooklyn apartment. “I was talking to the store manager when they told me there was a program where they help take care of veterans,” shares Albert. “I didn’t know that—I couldn’t believe it.”
Albert has witnessed a lot of things he couldn’t believe. He was drafted into the army in 1942 when he was only 19 years old. “After Pearl Harbor was bombed, I immediately wanted to go serve, but my parents didn’t want me to go,” explains Albert. “So I waited until I was drafted.” Under General Patton’s leadership, Albert was involved in the Normandy invasion. A few months later, Albert was a part of the machine gun division during Battle of the Bulge, and also helped liberate two concentration camps in Europe.
After serving in France, Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, Albert was able to return home in December 1945. Albert settled back into civilian life and eventually became a clerk in United States Post Office—a position he held for 31 years.
Now, Team Depot Captain and store manager Larry Smith is making sure Albert is equipped with the home a hero like him deserves. “I’m a veteran as well, and when I heard about Albert, I knew I had to meet him,”shares Larry.
Albert was shopping for items to make a few small-scale repairs. After learning of his projects, Larry told him about the support Team Depot provides to veterans. “I was invited to check out his apartment, and I immediately knew we could help,” explains Larry.
One of the priorities for Larry and his team was making sure Albert’s apartment was equipped with simple modifications to help him remain mobile. “The bathroom updates include adding a grab bar to help with stepping into the shower,” says Larry. “There will be a movable showerhead that can be pulled down and the vanity will be adjusted to better fit Albert’s height.”
The kitchen will be getting new cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances. It will be a lot easier for Albert to get around and have access to the things he needs on a daily basis. Even the patio is getting a refresh.
“They are fixing up everything, and it’s going to be so nice,” notes Albert. “It means a lot to me that they are helping out—it’s great that they remember veterans.”
“We are just hoping to make his life a little easier,” responds Larry.
Upwards of 20 associates volunteered for the project. Between the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, patio and living room, all hands were on deck, but everyone was happy to do it. “Albert, to me, is a reflection of many others who may be facing similar challenges,” says Larry. “I’m very passionate about this, and I’m trying to get awareness out to veterans to let them know that Team Depot can help.”
