Del City Vietnam Vet Gets Home Makeover

A Del City Vietnam veteran with serious health and financial problems has new reason for hope, Saturday night.

Joel Bean, 67, is a Vietnam veteran whose home is in disrepair. But that's about to change.

Bean served in the Army's 101st airborne as a war correspondent and combat photographer 43 years ago. Exposure to Agent Orange back then has taken its toll in the form of massive health problems.

Bean had to retire a decade ago, and because of back taxes, he was about to lose his house.

"Not really giving up. I had just sort of lost any hope of things getting better," said Bean.

Keller Williams realtor Gary Culver chose Joel Bean to be the subject of what's called Keller Williams annual "Red Day" Project. Culver was a combat medic in Vietnam.

"Anytime I talk to a Vietnam vet it is very easy to step to the plate and give them some help," said Culver.

Caliber and Mullarky roofing and others are donating supplies and labor to restore Joel Bean's house. Someone even donated a vehicle. Joel hasn't been able to afford one for years.

"There's a whole new life. Hopefully my health will improve. And just being able to drive the Blazer to 7-11 is a wonderful adventure for me. There's something about not having the freedom of movement that can really break your spirit.  And these people have restored it all," said Bean.

And finally Gary Culver says the application process with the VA has already begun to get Joel Bean the financial benefits he's entitled to because of his exposure to Agent Orange all those years ago.