2021 Hometown Heroes

2021 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 27, 2021 Page 13 Arrangements were made to go to Quincy and get the wheelchairs, and it was mentioned by Yarborough that while they were in that town, Dennis should check out the tiny homes for veterans. Yarborough told him about Mark and Christine Lawrence, 2 X 4’s of Hope, and the great work the couple was doing in Quincy. Schaler said they went to Quincy, got the wheelchairs, and then went to the location where the tiny homes were built. He talked briefly with a couple of the neighbors across the street who said they were thrilled to have the tiny homes and the veterans in their neighborhood. They had lunch with the Lawrences’, and Schaler knew this was the answer to veteran housing in Logan County. Schaler noted, “My head was spinning trying to take it all in.” Having felt that they had spun their wheels trying to get the Lincoln Developmental Center property to no avail, Schaler said, “And then suddenly this comes along, and we just knew, this was our answer.” Schaler said that the fundraising for the home builds is going to be ongoing and the need for donors is still great. Each home will cost about $40,000, so to get three homes, $120,000 will be needed. Schaler is optimistic that the money will be raised, but also knows that it is going to take a lot of work and time to bring it all together. As Schaler spoke about all the projects he’s been involved in, the question had to be asked, what is the reward for Joe Schaler? We know it isn’t money because none of the projects Schaler works on provides him with an income. All of his time is given freely and selflessly. “How does this make me feel? It makes me feel very proud of this county, its residents, very proud of the efforts of Dan Benedict, and the elected officials who are so supportive and helpful. It’s the synergy of so many different organizations coming together to support veterans. It’s all the people just wanting to help, just wanting to do something.” He went on to say it was also the people who come in and say great things about what is being done in Logan County. “Those kind words about our efforts goes a long way in making us feel like those efforts are worthwhile. When people have good things to say, that means you must be doing something right.” So, while Schaler himself may tell you that among all these he is the least, his community doesn’t feel the same way. Perhaps Logan County Board Chairman Emily Davenport expressed it best when she said, “Joe Schaler is one of Logan County’s best assets.” She went on to say, “Joe not only led the charge to establish our Veterans Assistance Commission, but he continues to ensure its success and growth. Logan County veterans and their families are fortunate to have Joe on their side fighting for their rights. He is always helpful, kind, humble, dedicated and a gentle soul that doesn’t know a stranger. That’s what makes him a hero in my eyes. “Thank you, Joe, for your love and dedication to Logan County. We’d be lost without you.” Thank you indeed Joe Schaler, for your service to our country, for your patriotism, and for your love and compassion for all veterans.