Born in the 1950’s, Chris B.
(name written this way to protect from any backlash from the government) was
raised in a different time. A time that did not turn away help to the men and
women who served in our Armed Forces; the people who protected and fought for
America with every breath they had.
Chris B. proudly served his
country…our country. In doing so, he was able to take his military pension,
which he does because he needs to. The VA was also there to help with payments
and services when Chris B. developed cancer.
And this is where our piece of
the story starts…
Dan LeSieur met Chris B. a few
years ago, after receiving a call for a remodeling job. Dan LeSieur did not
think anything was strange because as a construction company they took jobs
like these every day; and being the face of the company, LeSieur went to meet
Chris personally.
The drastic downfall…
The VA had declined Chris B. for
any needed home modifications. There are minimum property requirements that are
needed to be approved by the VA before they would approve any funds for future
work.
Meaning that Chris had to get his
home repaired to a state that met the VA’s requirements BEFORE they would do
anything.
Chris is an older adult, living
on a pension, and who just went toe-to-toe with cancer; and who was now being told
by the VA to repair his home on his own before they could help.
So Chris called Dan to get a
price quote for something that he could never afford.
Dan LeSieur met Chris, and stood there looking at an American hero who had undeniable physical proof of someone
fighting cancer.
Daniel LeSieur sat and talked
with Chris B., he listened to his story, he went over the communications back
and forth between Chris and the VA, and then he looked at Chris’ house.
Chris B. called the right
company.
Dan LeSieur took the job.
Chris B. beat cancer (unrelated
to meeting Dan of course...the man is not a god).
Dan LeSieur wants to be
remembered for how he lived his life, and how he was able to afford to give
back and help people in need.
LeSieur’s construction company
did what the VA refused to do; they gave Chris B. his home back.
Not only did LeSieur do the
needed and necessary repairs that the VA required, but he went even further. He
gave Chris B. a new master bedroom, bathroom, and closet; which went beyond
Chris’ thoughts, and anything that the VA would pay for (if and when they
approved Chris’ claim).
Daniel LeSieur didn’t look at
Chris B. as a charity case, nor did he think about how much money this job
would lose him.
LeSieur saw a man who gave
everything for this world, for his country, and how that world turned their
backs on him when he was at his lowest. Chris B. is a Veteran who protected us,
and who in turn needed protection.
This wasn’t a battle of wills on
who would break first. Dan didn’t take his fight to the VA and try to bill them
for his work. LeSieur did what was right; he met a man that he could respect,
and wanted Chris to have the respect that he deserved.
Daniel LeSieur took the job
because he wanted to, not because he had to. LeSieur wasn’t looking for money
or fame; he did what was right in his mind because he was able to.
LeSieur didn’t change the world
for everyone, but he did change the world of one person, and sometimes that is
enough. Chris B. thinks that it is enough.
Dan and Chris became friends
during the construction, and they are still friends today.
When talking with Dan LeSieur
about his proudest moments in life; one of his stories is how Chris B. changed
his life (of course you have to get through story upon story of his family
first).
Dan LeSieur is a good man, and no
matter what is said about him, you can never take away the fact that he tries.
He tries to make our little piece of the world a better place for everybody.
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