By Brian Rodriguez - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
WISCONSIN DELLS (WKOW) -- A community in Wisconsin Dells came together to help the family of a soldier injured in Afghanistan. Volunteers are working to make the family's home handicap accessible.
Michael Gawel and his troop ran into an Improvised Explosive Device in mid-March.
"All they told me was my son was hit by a roadside bomb and I had to wait a few hours," said Vickie Remington, Gawel's mother.
He survived, but had to go through multiple surgeries. He can walk with a cane. He is recuperating art Walter Reed in Washington D.C.
"When one of our own parishioners got hit by an IED, we were so sad about it. .. We automatically came to help," said Pastor Steven Keller of the local United Presbyterian Church.
The church along with area local veterans groups chipped in.
They raised more than $7,000 to rebuild the back and front porch and bathroom to make it handicap accessible for Gawel.
"I thought it was awesome that they wanted to get behind my family, I really appreciate everything they're doing. It was more than I could ever ask for," Gawel said over the phone.
Its been a tough couple years for Remington and her family.
Besides Gawel's injury, her other son Joseph died of Leukemia in 2008, and just a few weeks ago, her father also passed away.
This support, especially now, is overwhelming.
"I appreciate everything everyone of them has done for us- I wish there was more I could to do pay them back for everything they've done for us," Remington said.
Volunteers hope to have the home finished in 3-4 weeks. They still need volunteers. If you would like to help, call the Wisconsin Dells United Presbyterian Church at 608-253-3481.
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By Brian Rodriguez - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook | Blog
WISCONSIN DELLS (WKOW) -- A community is coming together to help a Wisconsin soldier hurt in Afghanistan.
Michael Gawel is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. In Mid March, Gawel and his troop were riding in a mine resistant vehicle in Afghanistan looking for IED's, or Improvised Explosive Devices, to disarm them.
They ran into one injuring all on board, including Gawel. He underwent spinal surgery in Afghanistan, was moved to Germany before eventually returning to the U.S.
The United Presbyterian Church in his hometown of Wisconsin Dells heard about Gawel's injury and set up a fund in his name. The church, along with the local American Veterans Legion, raised more than $7,000 for Gawel. The money is being used to make his home handicap accessible to help the wounded soldier through his recovery.
It is also being used to help Gawel's mother, who lost her other son to cancer last year.
Brian Rodriguez will be there while work is being done on the home. Stay tuned for the emotional story on 27 News at 10pm.
