For the Media
5/21/2010
Wounded Soldier’s Family Wishes Granted
Angie’s List Wishmakers program helps repair Atlanta area home with help from a GreenPlumber® and American Standard Brands
ATLANTA, G.A. (May 21, 2010) — When Adele Lester sent her 23-year old son, Specialist Walter Lester, off to war, she hoped it wouldn’t be the last time she would see him. Her worst nightmare nearly came true, though, when she received a call that Walter was involved in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan. He was seriously injured, but was the only one of his five-member company to survive.
The soldier’s mother, a 50-year old Ellenwood resident, now spends her time traveling back and forth from her home in Atlanta to Washington, DC’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“Ms. Lester has spent so much time taking care of others that she hasn’t had a chance to take care of the little things around the house,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “That’s where the Wishmakers program and its group of highly rated service professionals step in to help those in need.”
Marietta plumber, Nick Marine, owner of Marine Plumbing, jumped at the chance to help a wounded warrior. Marine, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, agreed to donate his services to replace Lester’s kitchen sink and install a garbage disposal, a small luxury she has never had.
“There was never a question in my mind as to whether or not I was going to help out. I’m always privileged to help those in need,” Marine said.
To complete the job, Marine called in reinforcements from American Standard, which graciously donated the sink and fixtures. American Standard CEO, Don Devine, said he was happy to help. “The best part is making life a little easier for Adele during this most trying time,” Devine said. “We are thankful for her son’s service to our nation.” InSinkErator® provided the garbage disposal.
Adele’s caretaking didn’t stop with her own children. Her mother and disabled brother currently live with her, and she recently made room in her home for Walter’s two small children, a toddler and infant. She is now the guardian of the children so her daughter-in-law can be by Walter’s side.
“Adele has always put others’ needs ahead of her own. As a single woman she adopted three teenage boys, including Walter, from Atlanta’s foster care system,” Vicki Lester wrote when she nominated her sister for the Angie’s List Wishmakers program. "She is always the first to help when it is needed. She does it with a smile on her face and never expects anything in return."
Since 2004, Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer ratings on local service companies has partnered with its highly rated service providers to grant wishes across the country. Nominations are accepted via email at WishmakersRequests@angieslist.com
ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS
American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality kitchen and bath products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related products. The company currently serves both the residential and commercial markets; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under the American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher®, Jado®, and Fiat® brands. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners.