A Very Special Welcome Home for Canton Veteran

As a non-profit organization responsible for revamping SPC Joe Recupero's Forest Lane home welcomed him Saturday it not only signaled improved living quarters but also an emotional acceptance largely lacking upon his 1971 return from Vietnam. 

For the past two months a crew of volunteers, professionals and others have been working on the Forest Lane home as a project of the non-profit Purple Heart Homes, which is dedicated to helping veterans age in place.  

The Canton project was designed to accommodate Recupero as his Parkinson's progresses. On Saturday many involved in the project welcomed him home on his 63rd birthday.

Speakers noted the numerous volunteers and organizations that helped with the project, wished Recupero well and thanked him for his U.S. Army service in Vietnam. For the Purple Heart honoree, colors were presented and participants sang The Star Spangled Banner. 

"Joe happy birthday, welcome home, we love you" said Dale Beatty, who along with John Gallina, founded Purple Heart Homes. "I hope you enjoy it. I hope you love it like I was impressed coming in today. I hope it suits you indefinitely Joe." 

Bruce Bissonnette of Manchester, who's worked with both Purple Heart Homes and HEART 9/11 spoke of the hardships Vietnam veterans like he and Joe faced upon returning home.  

"We came back and they hated us so you had a tendency to hide your feelings, you had a tendency to hide your past," he said.

Many volunteers spoke of the fulfillment of helping someone who deserved it. 

"This has just made our year," said Joyce Cohen, who works with the mentoring program at Purple Heart homes. 

"I felt I got more out of this than I put into it," added volunteer Larry Gannon of Canton. 

Susan Elliott of a local Quilters of Valor group at Avon Congregational Church presented a quilt to Recupero, one of several gifts from local organizations and individuals.

"Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor for our country," Elliott said. "It's a tangible reminder of our appreciation and gratitude." 

Improvements to the home included a new driveway, new roof, many new floors, a new kitchen and an addition with a master bedroom suite. A ramp, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms and other measures were included in anticipation that he will soon need a wheelchair. 

Numerous volunteers helped with the home and many businesses stepped up to donate items and services. 

"Joe said God Bless you and thank you every day," said general contractor Steve Thomas. "He was so appreciative. That's why everyone put in 16-hour days."

Even with all the donations and volunteer hours the project was over budget, mostly due to the poor condition of the home and the organization's desire to leave it in good shape. 

The project originally had a budget of some $90,000 but ended up closer to $150,000. 

Saturday Recupero expressed his gratitude but also shared some experiences, including the horrors of losing friends in Vietnam. He ended with an emotional wish.  

"After a little time I figured out what it was all like . . except now they added your buddy's dead and he ain't coming back. So all these years I've held it inside my chest. If they could all make a way, if it would be God's pleasure, everybody wouldn't have to go to war anymore. We'd all just live in peace . . That's what I wish to all of you — you and your kids — peace."