The American Legion Pleasureville Post 799 is answering the call to help wounded York County soldier CPL Matthew Hanes, and members hope others will follow suit.
Matthew’s father, Lee Hanes, has big plans for an addition under construction at this house in Manchester. He’s doing it all for his son, CPL Matthew Hanes.
“I want to make Matthew as independent as he can, so we’re going to make a studio for him, where he has his own access, and that he can do everything on his own,” said Lee Hanes.
On June 23, the 21-year-old soldier was severely wounded when he was shot while serving in Afghanistan. He’s in recovery at a VA hospital in Tampa that has a special unit for spinal injuries.
“Matthew is making real good headway,” Hanes said. “He’s working hard to come home to York.”
Matthew is now one donation closer to coming home. The American Legion Pleasureville Post 799 has donated $5,000 toward the cost of getting the Hanes’ homes ready for Matthew’s return.
The project’s cost is estimated at $65,000. The post is now issuing a challenge to the community.
“If they match our $5,000 donation, that we have given to Matthew, we will add $1,000 additional dollars to every $5,000 that someone gives,” said Lonny Reever, 2nd vice commander of the Pleasureville Post 799.
For all of the help, the Hanes family is grateful. The family has a billboard on its front lawn to thank the nearly 30 companies and organizations that have contributed so far.
“The public and different organizations have just been phenomenal,” Hanes said. “I mean, I can’t express the overwhelming encouragement and donations that came in, it’s just phenomenal.”
You can make a donation for CPL Matthew Hanes at any M&T Bank branch or make a check out to “NESD Heartwarming Fund”- NESD, 41 Harding St., Manchester, PA , 17345