For years, as the owner of former southeastern Connecticut plumbing and heating company Bolles Mechanical, Ronald Bolles spent his days making life easier for others by fixing what needed fixing in their homes.

On May 30, the tables were turned.

Sitting at his kitchen table in his Uncasville farmhouse, the long-retired, 84-year-old U.S. Army veteran could only look on in amazement as a team of volunteers strapped on tool belts to fix what needed fixing at his home, thanking him for his service to our nation.

“I am truly humbled that people would devote their Saturday to helping someone like me,” said Bolles as he watched the removal of crumbling exterior stairways that had made it virtually impossible for him to exit and enter his home safely. When the day was done, Bolles had spanking new stairs at both the front and side entrances, along with a properly folded and encased American flag to treasure as a memento of the day.

It was all thanks to nonprofit veterans service organization House of Heroes Connecticut, which recognizes, honors and serves military and public safety veterans and their surviving spouses through the provision of one-day, no-cost home repairs focused on safety and accessibility. The May 30 project was the organization’s first in Montville and 132nd since its founding in 2012.

The project was made possible thanks to a memorial donation to House of Heroes Connecticut by the family of U.S. Navy veteran T. Peter Millaras, a native of Quaker Hill and long-time resident of southeastern Connecticut who passed away earlier this year at age 69.

“I know Peter would be proud to have his name associated with House of Heroes Connecticut and its work,” said Andrea Millaras Deedy, Peter’s sister.

For more information about House of Heroes Connecticut, visit hohct.org.

Dennis Buden is the executive director of House of Heroes Connecticut.

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