Rainier Lions Honored to Serve.....

By:  George Johnson

Last week I was asked by a friend if the Rainier Loin's Club might be able to help an elderly couple, George and Eleanor Burger, in Yelm move their porch gate.  George said he always wanted cement steps.  They were finally able to get it done last year.  George had the new concrete steps set on the front of his porch where he always wanted them, but  the old steps and gate were on the side. 

Ready to get to work!

Evan evaluating the side steps, after the gate is moved to the front of the porch.

The old lattice was cut out and the gate moved to the front of the porch.

Evan removing the side brace from the old gate.

Bracing the decking where the side steps used to be.

The old side steps going up to the porch.

George Johnson working on the side of the porch.

George Johnson working removing the side steps going into the porch.

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George Burger overseeing Evan Burnett level the area where the side steps used to be.

The Burger household was established in 1950.

The lattice work moved from the side gate.

The gate opening to the front porch.

The gate installed in the front of the porch.

 George Burger, George Johnson & Evan Burnett

George said that he used to be a plumber and carpenter.  When they first moved to Yelm, he helped construct the Yelm Prairie Christian Church.  Now he is no longer able to swing a hammer.

Three Rainier Lions club member showed up on Saturday the 9th at George and Eleanor's at 1:30.   It was a simple job and only took an hour and a half.  During that time we were able to talk with George, between his trips to the garage, to get supplies.  He told us of his involvement in helping finish the construction of the church to it’s completion.  

He matter of fact mentioned his service as if it were a ballgame watched on TV last night.  George served in the Navy for 22 years.  He was 18 in 1943 when he was drafted.  George, his two brothers and one sister all served in WWII.  They all returned home after the war.  George served for 2 years in the South Pacific, on a repair ship called the Piedmont.  One of his brothers was a co-pilot on a B19, the other an Army Engineer and his sister was a nurse who served the US in England.

Well if that was not enough George then served in Korea and then Vietnam.  George talked about it as if it was a stroll in the park on a Sunday afternoon.

When Linda, Evan and I finished we thanked George for the opportunity to be able to serve him.  It was an honor to assist such a courageous, devoted man and his wife.  Thank you George and Eleanor Burger.  You are real hero's in my eyes.

George Burger, George Johnson & Evan Burnett

Evan told us, "I like doing these kinds of jobs.  This is the reason I became a Lion!"