Lending a Helping Hand
Posted: May 8, 2009 09:27 PM
Updated: May 9, 2009 08:53 AM
By: Elizabeth Corridan
GOSHEN, Mass (abc40) -- A Goshen Marine learned firsthand what true friendship means when his family needed a helping hand. Greg Denys' family was without power for a week last December following the devastating ice storm that crippled much of the region. Greg was not there to put his electrical skills to work because he was on leave from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 7 Apprentice Program serving in Iraq. Denys' says, "It sucks knowing that I'd rather be in that position than have them in that position."
Once the ice had thawed and the lights were back on, Denys' family decided to install a back-up generator. Greg's mom mentioned their plans to one of her son's mentors at the I.B.E.W. who had called to check in. Training Director Mark Kuenzel said, "They had bought a generator and were about to start calling contractors for the install and I said 'Don't do anything. I will call Greg's teacher and class to see what they can do.'"
Greg's class stepped up in a big way. Not only did they provide all the labor for free, they even found a local contractor to donate additional parts for the installation. Classmate Mark Rodrigo says, "We are required to do six hours of community service as part of our program but when it was to help Greg out it was easier to do."
Longtime friend and classmate Jacob McGrath agrees, saying, "Growing up with him, when I learned what happened I was happy to help."
Greg was thrilled when he heard. "It's always good to get news from home but great news like that is even better," he says.
Greg is back home in Goshen with his family. He knows he has more than just classmates looking out for him. He has friends for life and they are all happy to have Greg home.
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