Project #13: Corporal Anthony J. Romano, Jr.

June 2017
Building Dreams for Marines is currently working on its thirteenth project. BDFM recipient, CPL. Anthony J. Romano, Jr., a Manchester, N.H. resident is this project’s recipient – and in his own words says; ‘The Marine Corps is THE BEST.’

Cpl. Romano joined the Marines in 1956 when he was just 17 years old. He recalls why he enlisted in the Marines, “I wanted to join the Marines because I knew it was a tough outfit and that the Marines Corps is the best. It was a beneficial life changing experience that I will never forget.”

Cpl. Romano went to Parris Island, South Carolina, Camp Geiger Lejeune, NC, Naval Air Station at Jacksonville, FL and the Naval Base at Millington in Memphis, TN where he received aviation mechanic training. He then went on to Quantico, VA where he was an aviation mechanic and crew chief on a Corsair.

Today, BDFM is proudly renovating the entryway to his home to make access easier. The entryway to the Romano home is welcoming with beautiful flowers of every color lining the walk way, but with recent health issues, accessibility in and out of the home has been extremely difficult for Cpl. Romano.

Majorie, his wife of 57 years has been by his side through every step of his health care and was instrumental with his application to Building Dreams for Marines.

BDFM teamed up with local contractor, Community House Calls for this project which entails raising the current entryway porch floor by 4” in order for it to be level with the Romano’s kitchen floor. A set of new stairs will be installed for others to enter and exit the porch. BDFM will also provide the Romanos a new pressure treated deck in order for Cpl. Romano to navigate his electric wheel chair in and out of his home. A new door will be installed from the porch to the deck, and a new electronic lift/elevator will be installed by the Veteran’s Administration. Cpl. Romano is looking forward to all the renovations so he can assist his wife with the outdoor gardening and enjoy his beautiful backyard, “All of the renovations will allow me easy access and mobility to the outside of my home with my electric wheelchair. I’m very grateful for Building Dreams for Marines and their team of volunteers and contractors who have come together to assist on this project for me.”

The project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2017.