Military widow’s home repaired, thanks to the help of over 20 volunteers

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - For the last 20 years, two special organizations have partnered together in dedicating their time toward helping veterans and their loved ones.

Thursday morning, 23 volunteers from Total System Services, otherwise known as TSYS, and members of House of Heroes made minor repairs at the home of Donna Sue Ikner, widow of Major Harry Ikner.

“You know, for years we’ve been able to do for ourselves and then when you reach a certain age, you have to reach out and ask for help,” said Donna Sue. “To know that there’s an organization out there and there’s people out there like this that’s willing to help...it’s almost beyond speaking in words; I just feel blessed.”

Major Ikner served in the U.S. Army for 27 years and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and many other honors for his Vietnam tour.

TSYS and House of Heroes did yard work in the front yard of the home, as well as replaced the rotten deck boards in the backyard, as both groups continue to serve veterans and the loved ones of those who have laid down their lives for their country.

“Get out in the community, cause you don’t realize there could be someone living right next-door to you that is a widow or a veteran that could really use some help,” said Jeanne Sensing, C-Suite Executive Assistant for TSYS. “If you can give just a little bit to someone, it makes a world of a difference to them.”

An honor ceremony was held at noon for the late Major Ikner who passed away in 2021, as several veterans and friends of his came to pay their respects.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit houseofheroescvc.org or call 706-569-7011.