Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Kicks Off Construction on Local Vietnam Vet's 100-year-old Home

from the Office of Sen. Greg Ball

Pawling, N.Y. – 06/14/2014 – Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I –Patterson), Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, held a ribbon cutting ceremony today to kick off construction on local Vietnam veteran Dan Flanigan’s home.

“Team Ball has done it again and I am so proud! I am thrilled to see the community come together and I remind everyone that this is just the beginning and we have a long way to go to deliver for Dan, our American Hero! We need everyone in the community to help out in any way they can. There has been such a huge outpouring of volunteers willing to donate their time and services to the cause. We need them from now until the end, every day and we need to stay motivated! We would not be able to make it all possible without them, so for that I am very grateful,” said Senator Greg Ball. “If you would like to join our Purple Heart Homes Senate Task Force and join our honorable efforts to give Dan the welcome home he so rightfully deserves, do not hesitate to contact my office today.”

Senator Ball and the Purple Heart Homes organization teamed up several months ago to remodel Private Dan Flanigan’s home in order to better his living conditions and thank him for his service. The project officially began this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the property, followed by demolition of the front porch and clearing of debris. 

Private Daniel Flanigan, a 100% service-connected disabled Vietnam Veteran was selected after a thorough vetting process by Purple Heart Homes, a non-profit based in Statesville, NC that provides housing solutions for disabled veterans.

Like many service-connected disabled veterans, Dan lives on a fixed income. His home is over 100 years old and is in poor living condition, especially for someone with physical disabilities.

“We look forward to seeing the renovations on Dan Flanigan's home to make it more energy efficient and safe so he can successfully age in place," said Dale Beatty, Purple Heart Homes Co-founder. “We continue to be extremely grateful to Senator Ball and his staff for all their help to keep this project moving.”

“This house I live in was left to me by my parents who died in 1999. It needs a lot of repairs, which I can’t afford. I’m struggling to make ends meet and my physical health is deteriorating with a severe spinal condition and arthritis in my left hip. The VA replaced my right hip three years ago,” said Dan Flanigan. “I thank God for sparing my life in Vietnam and am proud to have served my country to this day.”

For more information, please contact jbachmei@nysenate.gov or (845) 531-9796