“He grew up in the Depression Era when it was just a different lifestyle. If you needed or wanted something, you worked for it,” Peck said. “If you didn’t need it, then you gave to your neighbors who might need it. He’s just lived by that mantra.”
Martin, whose nickname was “Peewee” while serving in the 101st Airborne Division, has been living without a working furnace for more than 15 years. He’s been getting through the winters using a wood-burning fireplace.
When Peck heard of Martin’s situation, he started a fundraising effort when Martin agreed to accept his help. Within 24 hours the fund garnered nearly $4,000 toward an initial goal of $10,000, Peck said.
More than $10,000 has been raised so far and the goal of the gofundme campaign was bumped up to $25,000, because Martin didn’t think there would be enough left over to help other veterans, Peck said.
“That’s the way we sold it to Jim,” Peck said. “Any left-over funds will go toward disabled and financial-need veterans.”
Martin was among paratroopers who landed near Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 as part D-Day operations. He was 93 when he jumped again near Utah Beach on the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Now 98, Martin lives alone and continues to live the way he prefers with help from family.
““I don’t have any problems. I still drive. I have an unrestricted driver’s license. I go wherever I want,” Martin said in an interview with News Center 7’s John Bedell. “Age means nothing. It’s your physical condition, your mental condition determines what you can do.”
Peck said they are in the bidding process to choose a company to install the new furnace.
About the Author