By Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
When Jerry Linder assumed the title of president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in January, he let it be known that he wanted to make a unique mark on this prestigious office.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for our military, especially our veterans,” Linder said. “And, I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the president’s position to show that respect. I want to leave a legacy of having helped veterans in our area who needed some help with a housing-related concern.”
After conferring with the local Veterans Administration office, Linder was introduced to Corporal Bruce Woodham, a veteran of World War II. Woodham and his wife Antholyn are both confined to wheelchairs. Their home on West Second Street, however, had no wheelchair access, and movement between rooms was difficult because of small door openings.
“You just wouldn’t want to meet a sweeter, more deserving couple,” Linder said. “And, they couldn’t get in and out of their home easily. They have a very nice home and yard, but couldn’t enjoy it to the fullest. It was also a safety issue. In the event of an emergency, it would have been very difficult for the two of them to get out of the house.”
Woodham served in the Pacific during the war. When he returned to Georgia after the war, he met and fell in love with his boss’s daughter. The couple will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next month.
Woodham was talking to his pastor, Rev. James Merritt of the Ephesians Baptist Church, who helped the couple get in touch with the Veterans Administration. It was through the VA that Linder became acquainted with the couple’s need.
“I think we all owe a big debt of gratitude to these men and women who put their lives on the line so we can have the freedoms we have today,” Linder said. “If it weren’t for people like Bruce Woodham, who knows what our lives would be like.”
Linder’s company, The Vintage Group, coordinated renovations to the Woodham’s home.
“Jack Gregory, who is in charge of our remodeling division, coordinated the project,” Linder said. “Jack enlisted the help of some of our trade partners, and the result is a much better quality of life for the Woodhams.”
In addition to a ramp, doors were widened inside the home to allow easier traffic flow between rooms.
“We were assisted in this project by trade partners who joined us in making the Woodham home safer and more functional for Bruce and his wife,” Gregory said. “Ralph Lore at LoreTech donated all the carpentry work and we really appreciate his contribution.”
Gregory said Stock Building Supplies provided the exterior door, Manning Building Supply provided lumber for the job, and HJ Fields Concrete cut the concrete block wall - all necessary components of this project.
Bruce Woodham said he had worked hard on the yard surrounding his home, but had given up hope of actually being able to enjoy it again. Now, thanks to the ramp and other improvements in his home, Woodham and his wife are able to go outdoors with ease. Sitting in the shade, they can relax in the fresh air.
“I didn’t know how much I missed being outside until now,” Woodham said. “I can’t work in the garden like I used to, but it’s so nice to be out here to enjoy it all.”
Linder said the completion of these improvements at the Woodham home made him realize how much we all take for granted.
“Bruce is a perfect example of an individual who has served his country without expecting anything in return,” Linder said. “Now at this stage in his life, he certainly deserves the simple pleasure of being able to go into his own yard to enjoy a summer afternoon. It’s deeply gratifying to me to have been part of that.”