Legionnaire restores benches for wounded heroes

When Ed Cutler became aware of a double amputee Afghanistan veteran receiving a new home due to his injuries, he delivered a restored garden bench to the young man as a thank you for his service. A member of Post 36 in Windsor Locks, Conn., Cutler has since given several benches to World War II and Vietnam veterans.

"I figure a (veteran) might be sitting on his front steps all depressed and kind of sad his life has changed," he said. "Then all of a sudden some old guy shows up and says, ‘Here you go, Joe. Thanks for your service.’ It just might make his day, make him feel he’s not forgotten."

Broken benches donated by community members fill Cutler’s garage, driveway and backyard for him to restore and deliver to local wounded veterans.

"I’ve just been blessed so if there’s something I can do, why not pay back a little bit," he said.