Volunteers from Operation Hero Program Restore a Veteran's Home in Pico Rivera

Volunteers from Operation Hero Program Restore a Veteran's Home in Pico Rivera

In a heartwarming display of community service, Operation Hero Home Restoration, a nonprofit initiative launched by the Oath to Country Foundation, has completed a home transformation for Carlos Guzman, a veteran of the Vietnam War and long-time resident of Pico Rivera.

Established in 2021 by Dr. Justin Gracieux, the Oath to Country Foundation has a mission to bring comfort and care to aging veterans. Operation Hero Home Restoration is a part of this mission, focusing on remodeling and restoring homes to improve the living conditions for veterans and seniors[1][2].

The transformation of Guzman's home included landscaping, painting, plumbing, and repairs, all done by a team of volunteers[1][5]. The work has provided much-needed improvements and support to Guzman's living environment, and the project demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to honoring veterans by addressing their housing needs through hands-on community service.

Volunteers cleared more than 20 years of clutter and buildup from Guzman's backyard, installing new gravel, patio furniture, and fresh vegetation. Dr. Gracieux described the volunteers as "beautiful, kind, selfless, giving humans." Guzman expressed his gratitude, stating he would not have been able to do it without everyone's help[1][5].

The backyard makeover is a symbol of long-overdue appreciation for Guzman, who served in the U.S. Army as part of the 5001st Signal Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, when he was just 18 years old in 1967[3].

Meanwhile, the Pico Rivera community has been dealing with a different incident. In April 2022, an armed and barricaded suspect caused an incident at the Pico Rivera Gardens Assisted Living Facility, located at 6525 Rosemead Boulevard. Deputies and SWAT members from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were involved in the incident[4]. The City of Pico Rivera reacted quickly to ensure the safety of the residents.

In other news, the California Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture are offering a free nutritional meal program for children ages 18 and under this summer. The program aims to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months[6].

Pico Rivera's Parks and Recreation Department is also hosting the Summer Food Services Program at five locations. The program provides meals and a sense of community for children during the summer break[6].

For those interested in staying updated on local news, the Los Cerritos Community News is offering subscriptions to get the latest posts sent to your email.

[1] Oath to Country Foundation. (n.d.). Operation Hero Home Restoration. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.oath2country.org/operation-hero-home-restoration

[2] Los Cerritos Community News. (2023, June 10). Operation Hero Home Restoration Transforms the Home of Vietnam War Veteran Carlos Guzman. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://loscerritosnews.net/2023/06/operation-hero-home-restoration-transforms-the-home-of-vietnam-war-veteran-carlos-guzman/

[3] Guzman was 18 years old in 1967 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed with the 5001st Signal Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

[4] Deputies and SWAT members from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were involved in the incident at the Pico Rivera Gardens Assisted Living Facility.

[5] An incident involving an armed and barricaded suspect occurred at the Pico Rivera Gardens Assisted Living Facility in April 2022.

[6] The California Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture are offering a free nutritional meal program for children ages 18 and under this summer.

[7] The City of Pico Rivera reacted quickly to the incident at the Pico Rivera Gardens Assisted Living Facility.

[8] The work includes landscaping, painting, plumbing, and repairs.

[9] Carlos Guzman, a Vietnam War veteran, is a recipient of Operation Hero Home Restoration, a nonprofit initiative by the Oath to Country Foundation.

[10] The Pico Rivera Gardens Assisted Living Facility is located at 6525 Rosemead Boulevard.

[11] Dr. Justin Gracieux described the volunteers as "beautiful, kind, selfless, giving humans."

[12] Operation Hero Home Restoration is continuing to identify and uplift veteran households in need throughout the region.

[13] Volunteers cleared more than 20 years of clutter and buildup, installed new gravel, patio furniture, and fresh vegetation in Guzman's backyard.

[14] The backyard makeover is a symbol of long-overdue appreciation for Guzman.

[15] Pico Rivera's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Summer Food Services Program at five locations.

[16] The program provides a sense of pride, peace, and community to veterans who once sacrificed everything.

1. The transformed home of Carlos Guzman, a veteran, by Operation Hero Home Restoration includes not only remodeling and repairs but also improvements in education, as the backyard now serves as a space for learning about home-and-garden and home-improvement through volunteer-led workshops.
2. The community news highlights various local events coming up this month, such as the annual Pico Rivera Lifestyle Fair featuring educational seminars, entertainment performances, and a home-and-garden show.
3. In response to Guzman's heartfelt thanks for his home transformation, the Oath to Country Foundation has announced plans to extend their community service to local schools by providing resources for educational workshops aimed at promoting civic responsibility, leadership, and personal development among youth members of the Pico Rivera community.

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