TEMPLE, Texas — A first-of-its-kind playscape in the shape of a full-size Apache helicopter was unveiled at the Temple VA on Friday.
"I'll tell you what, it's been awesome," said Steven Graf, a United States Army veteran. "By adding this, it has just increased the quality time. I have two grandchildren, a 14-year old boy, and a 4-year old girl and the first time they came out here they were in awe."
The idea for the project began in October when veterans from various programs said they wanted a place for their kids to be able to visit them and for them to have something to do.
"I thought, man, we really need an appropriate place for these kids and families to gather," said Toby Johnson with the Temple VA. "There's nothing more beautiful than seeing a Veteran and their families come together and spend time with each other."
The helicopter was made possible by J.H. Woodworks from Florence, PENFED Credit Union, and United Rentals. Apache helicopter was constructed, painted, mounted and opened for thousands of veterans and their families to enjoy.
"It's just, there's this sense of worth that comes from this to for me," Graf said. "Just that sense of belonging and that's something that kinda gets lost when we come back."
"It starts out as a dream and you keep picking at it," Johnson said. "It's a tremendous amount of pride and country."
"It just means a lot to us Veterans. Especially to us that are going through the program because it's really easy to isolate," Graf said, acknowledging that the helicopter is a complete game-changer for him and his family. "To be able to have your family come out and be a part of your recovery, part of what you're here for, just means the world to us."
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