APPLETON, Wis. (NBC 26) -- A local veteran is helping a Vietnam veteran from North Freedom, Wisconsin by giving him a van and scooter that was used by her husband who was also a Vietnam veteran.
Susan Ouellette served in the Air Force for 20 years. Her husband James Schaefer served in the Vietnam War. She said he was a combat medic and served three tours in Vietnam. Schaefer was also a Purple Heart recipient. Ouellette said he battled the effects of Agent Orange and was a 100% disabled veteran. In 2008, she said he required a van and scooter. He passed away in December 2018.
"After he died, I couldn't see selling it. I wanted to pay it forward to another deserving vet. I finally found the right one who's also a Vietnam vet, and I'm really happy that I can do this for him," said Ouellette.
Tuesday afternoon, she gave the keys and title to the van and scooter to John Pekala. Pekala also served in Vietnam and is fighting the effects of Agent Orange. He lost one of his legs and said the generous gift from Ouellette will help him do things he hasn't been able to do on his own like leave the house.
"I don't have any tears left. I've done that at home and said my prayers," said Pekala. "This lady is awesome. Very, very awesome. There's not a lot of people like her around, I'll tell you that. I'm grateful. Very grateful."
The two were connected through Vets and Friends. Pekala said he's looking forward to driving the van down a back-road and relaxing. Ouellette said she believes this is what her husband would've wanted.
