TONY DOKOUPIL:
00:00:00
With Veterans Day tomorrow, we are honoring all who served, especially in World War II. There are fewer than 70,000 living American World War II vets. And David traveled to Escondido, Southern California to meet a 100-year-old veteran. As our partner today, The Home Depot Foundation and a group of employee volunteers stepped up to honor his legacy through their own acts of service. [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC PLAYING]
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:00:28
Chappaz has lived a century. And in that time, he's seen this country at war and peace. During World War II, Andre served in the Pacific with the US Army. I was on patrols in the jungles to protect our people who might be working there.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:00:52
He patrolled while his unit built airfields for B-29 bombers in Guam and Okinawa. Between the noise and the heat, Andre sketched, capturing the daily life of soldiers. There was an experience in the valley which I shall never forget. This plane had caught fire on its takeoff. And during that day, not one man said a word. And it was all a memory. You are still such a vivid storyteller at 100 years old. You paint-- You don't forget. You do not forget.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:01:41
Andre was part of a generation that helped to change the world. He then came home to quietly build his own as an Illustrator. I think this is me.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:01:53
He was the son of immigrants from France, never married, never had kids. And when Andre's parents grew older, their only child returned home to take care of them until they passed away. Out of love for the home his parents built, Andre cared for the yard and his father's fruit trees all on his own. That is until The Home Depot foundation and Team Depot stepped in to help.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:02:23
Tell me about the intention behind the work here. We believe every veteran deserves a safe place to call home. Some of the stuff we invest in is critical home repairs like this one for Mr. Andre, helping them age in place and with dignity so that they can stay in their homes.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:02:38
But it's also personal for Erin, who met her husband at a Team Depot project just like this one.
ERIN IZEN:
00:02:44
He was a Marine Corps fellow to The Home Depot back in 2005, 20 years ago this month, actually.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:02:49
It's all part of The Home Depot Foundation's annual celebration of service, which runs between Patriots Day and Veteran's Day.
ERIN IZEN:
00:02:57
We are doing projects just like these, hundreds of them across the United States. And our intent is to invest $750 million in veterans causes by 2030.
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:03:08
The foundation joined forces with nonprofits like Best Defense Foundation and 365 Connect, along with dozens of The Home Depot employees who volunteered. They removed two dumpsters of debris, brought in 18 pallets of mulch, 6,000 pounds of gravel, and a whole lot of love to transform Andre's beloved yard. Thank you. Hey, thanks. Would you like to say anything to these men and women? Well, I think you people are wonderful. You remind me of the Army. You remind me of my outfit. Mr. Andre, I want you to know that all of these people are your neighbors. They live in this area. They live in this community. What can you say after something like that? That is wonderful. You didn't think anybody volunteers anymore. But you do exist. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. The sacrifice you made for everyone here, for you, Andre, this is the best thing we can give to you. And thank you so much for your service, sir. [APPLAUSE] It's also good to hear that America is still alive. Hallelujah!
DAVID BEGNAUD:
00:04:34
The man who once served his country now served by his community. Oh, I loved meeting Mr. Andre. He has no family. So there are people in the community, in the Escondido area, who look after him and check on him regularly. The only thing he's got to complain about at 100 years old is being a little hard of hearing. But that's it. Such a vivid storyteller, and shout out to The Home Depot and the people who showed up. The yard was beautiful. Yeah. Thank you, Home Depot. He may not have any blood family. But he certainly has a lot of family. And you're right. There you go. Special thanks to Home Depot. That's a beautiful thing. Good stuff, David. Well done. David, thank you so much.
