Building a Difference introduces the “Veterans Special” documentary about two local veterans, George Swearingen and Bracell Freeman. George was in an unfortunate accident that left him in a wheel chair, and Bracell is now almost completely blind. Both served their country, both are loved by their community, and both needed the help of Northeast Florida Builders Care. When Builders Care came across these two veterans living in substandard homes that were in serious disrepair, they wanted to include them in their upcoming Veterans Day event in their hometown of Jacksonville, FL. With the help of Builders Care volunteers and Engle Homes, George and Bracell’s homes and quality of life were greatly improved.
“Some time has passed since the original show was shot, so we wanted to visit with Bracell and George to let them know that their stories were about to go around the world with Building a Difference,” said Builders Care pastor and show host Chris Simons. “We stopped in to see Bracell and he looked great. Bracell has a real gift for telling jokes, meaning that he makes most of them up himself. It was a pleasure sharing some good laughs again with Bracell.”
Chris and Bill Wilson, the Executive Director of Builders Care, also went to see George. “Not much has changed with good ol’ George,” said Bill. “He is still independent, takes care of himself and is still telling his war stories to everyone that comes by.”
“George is still in great health for being 97 and never takes medicine,” explained Simons. “His secret is simple: peppermint candy and pickle juice.”
George was thrilled when he found out that his stories of how he helped serve his country were going to be shared with people all around the world. “I hope that somebody sees it and appreciates what I’ve done,” said George.
George said that when he was a child he made a promise to God that he would try to help at least one person a day for the rest of his life. When asked what the one thing he wanted to say to the world was, he shouted, “Help other people! Always. When you help somebody, you’re helping yourself too…Matthew 6:33 says ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things will be added to you…when you do all of these things, it’s going to come back to you.”
Building a Difference is honored to be able to share what Northeast Florida Builders Care has done for these two fine veterans in the “Veterans Day Special.”
