Soldiers' surprise backyard makeover leaves 90yo 'stunned'
Pouring into the homes of two war widows, more than 20 soldiers were on a mission to beautify their backyards. Both women were "beyond grateful" for the help, as the Legacy program nears its 10th birthday.
On a weekday morning at seven o' clock, over 20 soldiers in uniforms surprised 90-year-old Vera Walker with a backyard makeover she had never seen coming. Ms Walker, a great-great-grandmother, was absolutely stunned by the unexpected visit. The soldiers, part of the Australian Defence Force visiting as part of Exercise Austral Shield, parked their trucks on her quiet street in Gladstone and began cleaning up her overgrown backyard.
Ms Walker had been struggling for years to get help for her yard, turning away numerous businesses that failed to provide written quotes. An advocate from the charity Legacy had nominated Ms Walker for the Backyard Assist program, which helps manage overgrown backyards for veterans or their families. The team of soldiers worked to trim trees, weed the yard, plant new greenery, and even dismantle her old brick barbecue and shed.
Ms Walker expressed her deep gratitude, saying her backyard now feels spacious and clean, almost like she could have a jazz waltz in it. Her late husband George, who served in Thailand in 1964, would have been incredibly proud of the help she received. The Backyard Assist program, now in its tenth year, aims to support those in an aging population to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Other recipients, like Ms Platten, also received a uniform visit from the Army Reserve, further emphasizing the organization's commitment to honoring the service of veterans and their families.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
