JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For 81-year-old Henry Cue, the modest house he has called home for over half a century is his “pride and joy.” But for the Vietnam veteran, who is missing an arm and struggles with mobility, the simple act of maintaining his home had become increasingly difficult throughout the years.
The City Municipal Code Compliance Division issued a 60-days to clean the property or face a staggering fine of $50 per day.
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“A big question mark over our head,” Cue said, describing the uncertainty that loomed as thick as the overgrown grass and a massive tree that had collapsed onto his roof in the back yard.
The veteran caught the attention of Ron Armstrong during a recent code enforcement hearing. Armstrong, currently looking to become Jacksonville Mayor, witnessed Cue and his wife leave the hearing in despair.
“Basically, what the city said was they had 60 days to repair their home, from cutting the grass to dealing with a huge tree on the house,” Armstrong said. “I just felt my heart break for that couple. They walked out with their heads down, just kind of hopeless.”
Refusing to let a veteran be fined , Armstrong issued a call for help on social media. The community’s response was swift and decisive.
On Wednesday morning, a team of 15 volunteers arrived at the Cue residence, armed with chainsaws, mowers, and a sense of duty. Among them was next-door neighbor Brandon Gage, who had witnessed the property’s decline.
“I’m not gonna lie, before today’s cleanup, it was very bad,” Gage said as he worked. “We had a whole tree on the man’s house, multiple limbs, and rats running across the yard.”
The operation grew as local businesses stepped in, donating equipment and labor to haul away three dump trailers full of yard waste and heavy debris. Volunteer Christian Smith urged others to follow suit: “Help your veterans, help out your community. Try to get people together and do what you can.”
By the afternoon, the fallen tree was cleared from the roof and the lawn was restored. While Mr. Cue and his wife preferred to stay out of the spotlight, their relief was palpable.
“We are truly, truly grateful and appreciate his god-fearing act,” Cue’s wife said of the community effort. “We will never forget this action.”
Thanks to a morning of hard work by neighbors and strangers alike, the “question mark” over the Cue household has finally been replaced with peace of mind.
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