CLEVELAND — It’s not yet summer, but things are already heating up in northeast Ohio. That’s why a non-profit’s mission, to help military veterans live safely in their own homes, is especially important to one Cleveland veteran.
What You Need To Know
- Michael Plon served in the military in the Vietnam War
- He gets by on Social Security, but that does not fund some other necessities
- The northeast Ohio chapter of Purple Heart Homes and a grant through the Home Depot Foundation helped fund a new air conditioner for his home
Michael Plon has a soft spot for what he calls “orphan plants.”
“I believe all living things deserve to be treated good,” he said.
Plon rescues discarded house plants from the side of the road.
“Bring them home and try to nurse them back to health,” Plon said.
But now, his home is in need of some costly care. Plon said he’s been able to get by and pay the bills with Social Security, but not much else.
“Anything else extra I want, I have to hustle for,” he said.
He sells items online for extra cash.
Plon served in the Vietnam War, answering the call of duty at age 17.
“I wanted to serve my country back then, and that was my first stop — Vietnam,” he said.
He’s now thankful for some support, as crews began installation of a new furnace and air conditioner for his home Tuesday. His furnace died last winter, and his home has never had an air conditioner.
“I have COPD and asthma, so it’s hard to breathe for me, and I have a hard time sleeping,” Plon said. “This is really going to make a big difference for me.”
They’re also installing a new electrical system for the home Plon’s parents first purchased in the early 1960s, and where he lived before joining the service. Extra power will be needed to run the new cooling system.
Everything is being provided to Plon for free, thanks to the northeast Ohio chapter of Purple Heart Homes and a grant through the Home Depot Foundation.
“It’s very rewarding to see somebody that served their country, like the rest of us, and needs some help,” said John Keating, a fellow veteran and president of the non-profit. “And being in a position to do that just feels good.”
While the installation took place, Plon is enjoyed his backyard and some fresh air.
“Right now, there’s a nice little breeze and it’s a lot cooler than it was downstairs,” he said.
The lifelong Clevelander said he plans to pay it forward in the future.
“Help another vet, help another person somehow,” he said. “Whatever I can do.”
He was filled with gratitude for the gift he was provided.
“Things worked out, they always work out,” Plon said. “The guy upstairs takes care of me. I know that for a fact.”
Purple Heart Homes raises money through fundraisers and donations to aid in their mission to assist area veterans live comfortably in their own homes.
