Written by Traci DeGroat, Executive Director and CEO for Habitat for Humanity Prince William County
Navy Veteran Thomas Mersich served from 1951 – 1955 as an Aviation Ordnanceman. Later, he lived in New Jersey where he built airplane cockpits and flight simulators. Thomas’ varied career included a stint as a machinist and toolmaker, groundskeeping for a wealthy gentleman, and testing milk on a dairy farm. At one point he owned his own dairy farm.
Thomas moved to Virginia in 1972. He rented a room in Chantilly for $12 a week before purchasing his home in Manassas that he continues to live in today. His final career was with the U.S. Postal Service. An amateur painter, Thomas painted a mural inside the Sudley Road post office location in Manassas.
Now in his eighties, Thomas is no longer physically able to accomplish all the maintenance tasks needed at his home. And, with limited retirement income, he welcomes a hand up from Habitat for Humanity Prince William County. Habitat is replacing two flat roofs and will paint the exterior of the home. Next, interior ceilings in two rooms need to be repaired because they’ve been compromised by water leaks. Lastly, all of the kitchen cabinets will be replaced.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers started construction at the project on November 3 and will continue their work Thursday through Saturday of each week through the middle of December.
Habitat’s Home Repair programs, including its Critical Home Repairs for Veterans program, rely on the support of your donations and volunteer time. Your generous donations make it possible for us to purchase the needed materials and tools for repairs. Your volunteer hours help us save money on labor. Please partner with us on this Navy Veteran’s project in Manassas! To give and to volunteer, click the links below.
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