Tom* is just that kind of person — the odds may seem stacked against him but he still sees the good and positive in the world around him.
As a retired Navy electrical engineer, Tom hails from a family of service members. His oldest brother is in the Air Force, the next is another Navy veteran, his younger brother is a Marine veteran, and his father was an Army photographer in the Korean War.
His family’s tradition of service reinforced his can-do attitude, which has helped him continue to live life on his terms after a debilitating injury in his 20s left him a paraplegic. After a day of waterskiing, he found a rope swing and used it to flip into the water. Unfortunately, the water wasn’t deep enough, and he sustained this life-changing injury.
Despite being in a wheelchair and having limited mobility in his right hand, Tom has worked hard to be independent, which being an Alexandria resident has helped. The city has been his home for nearly 24 years, and he has lived in his condo for over 15 years — in the same complex as his father.
Living in Alexandria satisfies his interest in politics. A self-proclaimed “political junkie,” he loves being so close to the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. It also affords him the conveniences of being close to the Veterans Affairs offices and incredible medical care. Most importantly, city living has kept him from being isolated.
As a great networker, he has friends and connections in many places, which is one reason he loves dinner parties. In addition, Tom is a huge fan of road trips, enjoys the outdoors, and going to movies, museums, concerts. His trusty cat named Gwen — who he rescued when she was just six weeks old — is a great companion to him.
In addition, Rebuilding Together Alexandria has been an important partner in helping him maintain his independence. Our committed volunteers have given Tom more space in the bathroom by adding shelves, replaced carpet with hardwood flooring so he can get around in his wheelchair, and installed new cabinets, helping make his home safe, healthy, and accessible.
Most recently, volunteers from Wells Fargo gutted and remodeled his kitchen, making it his favorite room in the house. This seems fitting for an inspiring man who finds so much joy in living. With his new kitchen, he now has more room to store his “glass half full” — if only for a moment.
If you know someone like Tom who could benefit from our services, we encourage you to introduce them to us. To learn more, visit www.rebuildingtogetheralex.org or call 703-836-1021.
- It is Rebuilding Together Alexandria’s policy to not disclose full names.