Stories From Main Street: FDNY Comes To Rescue Of Soldier From Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York's Bravest have come out to help one of America's bravest, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
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"Sometimes when you first get injured, you do feel forgotten," Army Specialist Bryan Dilberian from Brooklyn told Adams.
On July 1, 2011, in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device took both of his legs and one arm, but he has not been forgotten.
While recuperating, the Siller brothers from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid him a visit.
"While we were having breakfast, they just said 'Hey, we want to build you a house.' and I was just like, it was just shocking," Dilberian said.
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In his darkest hour, a helping hand came from a family that knows all too well about sacrifice.
Firefighter Stephen Siller was killed at the World Trade Center after running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel while wearing 60 pounds of gear.
"It gave me the potential and all the positive energy to strive forward, you know, it's not over with," Dilberian said. "And there are people out there that support you, and they just showed a lot of love."
"It is our responsibility. We cannot forget these kids who put their life on the line, and when you talk to these kids, they said they'll do it all over," said FDNY Battalion Chief John Labarbera, with Firefighters for America's Bravest. "Freedom is not cheap. This is the cost of freedom, and I think it's our responsibility, our obligation."
He said Specialist Dilberian's new home will have special accommodations.
"Wide aisles, wide hallways, special bathrooms, closets, kitchen cabinets that work on a remote control, they come up and down," Labarbera said.
He will also have an elevator and a special toilet.
It will cost between $500,000 and $700,000. So, they need help.
"At our gala on June 21st, it's only $55. You're gonna get a great meal. You're gonna get entertained. You're gonna get food, beer, and wine," he said.
To get your ticket, visit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation website.
"I want to say, you know, thank you. It means a lot to us," Dilberian said.
Do you know another story of a soldier getting help? Sound off in the comments section below.
