ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A group of retired veterans built a wheelchair ramp on Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, for a disabled U.S. Army veteran at his home on Johnny W. Williams Road, one day before Veterans Day.

Aaron Dawson served in the Army for seven years. He was born and raised in Albany and grew up in the same house where he lives now.

Ramp replaces steps at Dawson’s home

Before the ramp was built, the steps at Dawson’s home made it difficult for him to get to his mailbox, doctor’s office, or grocery store. The Ramp Crew built a new ramp at the home Tuesday morning. The ramp gives Dawson independence and freedom.

“Grew up right here. I’m grateful to God. I’ve been here for a long time. 64 years in July,” Dawson said.

Dawson received a surprise at his front door Tuesday.

“It’s going to help me keep living and keep going,” Dawson said.

Volunteers serve through AmeriCorps program

The Ramp Crew members are part of the AmeriCorps Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. Many of them are veterans.

John Obermeier, who served in the Marine Corps, was one of the volunteers.

“We learned there what service and sacrifice is all about, and that’s what we do here with Ramp Crew is service. We’re here providing service to the community,” Obermeier said.

“As a veteran, you learn about service. They wrote that scripture today — Each of you should do whatever gift you have received to serve others. That’s kind of the philosophy that we adopt here. I think most of us adopt that philosophy of life of service to neighbors and families and community and friends,” Obermeier said.

Program started by Air Force veteran

The tradition of building wheelchair ramps started with Jim Hill of Leesburg, who died last week.

Hill served in the Air Force for 20 years. After he returned home, he organized a group of volunteers to build wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities in the community.

The Ramp Crew builds approximately 75 ramps a year and has helped thousands of people in the community

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