Volunteers install new flooring for 100-year-old veteran

Louis Busler, a 100-year-old veteran, received new waterproof laminate flooring in his home after contacting a veteran services office following a visit to a VA hospital.

Busler said he had “really never asked for anything” but that the hospital gave him a paper listing organizations and he decided to seek help. “I was in the VA hospital, and they give me a piece of paper with the different organizations. And I saw a veteran service on there,” Busler said.

A veteran services staff member said Busler wrote the office a letter and staff called to assess his needs. The staff member said Busler’s subflooring was deteriorating and that the old floor — about 30 years old — had become unsafe. “We were able to get in contact with him, gave him a call to see what exactly he needed, and he needed assistance with his flooring,” the staff member said.

The staff member said the office coordinated with Christ Fellowship, Roy Kramer of Florida's Finest Construction and a representative from Floor Experts to secure labor and materials. About 16 volunteers came out for the work, the staff member said, and the crew completed the installation during an eight-hour Saturday in July. “So the new flooring we're able to put down is waterproof, laminate, and the hope here is that he'll be in a safer environment,” the staff member said.

Busler described the outcome positively. “That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship,” he said, noting the help improved his living conditions.

The veteran services staff member said the office provides a range of benefit and assistance services and invited other veterans to contact the office for help. “Any veterans that need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help,” the staff member said.