Ex High Rise Guy Serves Vietnam Veterans

Chuck Schryer, an ex-high-rise window washer stands in front of the van he drives.

Volunteer drives 250K miles for disabled veterans (Marion, IL) - A retired U.S. Army veteran has spent the past 10 years driving disabled veterans to and from the Marion, Illinois Veterans Affair's hospital. Chuck Schryer served in the Army's 173rd Airborne and three years overseas during the Vietnam War. The retired high-rise window washer spends his free time serving disabled veterans like himself.

Schryer said he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and receives care from the Marion VA. He said he wanted to make sure other veterans like himself can receive care. “It’s been hectic at times,” Schryer said.

Schryer helped found Chapter 80 of the non-profit group Disabled American Veterans Charity, that serves veterans in the 29 counties in southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and western Kentucky. Chapter 80 started by fundraising for one van and has grown to own and operate 11 vans. “For the veterans. I figure if we don’t take care of one another, no one else will take care of us,” Schryer said.

The DAV brings 125 veterans to and from the Marion VA each month. Schryer has driven more than 250,000 miles over the past 10 years. “You hear a lot of stories from the vets when you’re in there… It’s an honor to do,” Schryer said.

The DAV serving the Marion VA is in need of volunteers. Anyone with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance can volunteer. If you’re interested you can call the Marion VA Hospital at 618-997-5311 and ask for volunteer services.

Vietnam

Time to forgive — Fifty years after the start of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and the rise of the antiwar movement that in part made the return home for soldiers less than welcoming, it is time to move on, said Chuck Schryer. “We both need to forget and forgive, the veterans and the people,” Schryer said. “There were a lot of harsh feelings when the Vietnam vet came home. He didn’t help the situation. We were called the bad boys, and we were the bad boys.

“It’s time to forgive.” Schryer, of Flora, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He made his remarks at a Marion VA Medical Center event to honor veterans of the tumultuous era. The Defense Department’s Vietnam War Commemoration was set by a presidential proclamation on May 28, 2012, establishing a 13-year program to remember the veterans. “While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor,” President Barack Obama wrote at the time.

According to VA information, there are more than 7 million living Vietnam veterans and 9 million families of those who served. Schryer also gave his thanks to the Marion VA, but he has been doing that for 10 years. In May, he will be recognized by the Illinois chapter of the Daugthers of the American Revolution for his volunteer service to the Medical Center, donating 150,000 hours of his time, the most at the VA.

Among his service, Schryer drives veterans across the region to and from the VA for the Disabled American Veterans charity, logging 250,000 miles. He put in a plug for the DAV, saying more drivers are needed. “The VA in Marion is probably one of the best there is,” he said.

Business Spotlight: Working with Veterans

Teresa Emerson says 70 percent of Clearview’s business is cleaning commercial buildings such as Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Working with veterans tips the scale for a woman-owned window-cleaning firm in governor’s award.

Business Spotlight: The Cleanup Crew - Working with veterans tips the scale for a woman-owned window-cleaning firm in governor’s award. Teresa Emerson never thought she would run a window-cleaning business. But two days before earning her MBA from Drury University, the telecommunications veteran put her college knowledge to use with the 1995 purchase of Clearview Window Cleaning from David and Debbie Morris. “About three days later, I was hanging doing high-rise work,” says Emerson, who worked in the field a few years in the early days as a small-business owner.

Now 20 years in, the work of Emerson’s crew is seen in the shiny clean windows of such major commercial clients as CoxHealth, Mercy, City Utilities of Springfield and Missouri State University, as well as area storefronts and homes.  Her commitment to growth and the hiring of veterans and active military personnel even earned her recognition from Gov. Jay Nixon in early September. It’s all in a day’s work for Clearview.

Nixon’s nod; On Sept. 3, Emerson traveled to St. Louis for the 2015 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. One of 10 honors presented by Nixon, Clearview earned the Governor’s Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award. Nominated by a Springfield peer, Emerson visited St. Louis, met the governor and gave a speech thanking her employees. “It was a very odd feeling. I’m usually not much on awards,” she says. “They tend to focus on the moment in time. This is 20 years in the making. It made me think of all the technicians who have worked here over the years who have just been great people.”

In presenting the award, the governor noted Clearviews employment growth to 15 window-cleaning technicians and three support staff from just three employees when she took over in the mid-1990s. “I think they want to see that you are creative in the way that you keep your business rolling,” she says. Nixon, who started the Show-Me Heroes campaign in 2010 to encourage business owners to hire active military personnel and veterans, also credited Emerson’s commitment to that cause. Of her 15 technicians, seven are Missouri veterans, active in the military or members of the National Guard or Reserve.

Emerson wouldn’t have it any other way. It doesn’t hurt the state’s Show-Me Heroes program provides on the job training assistance – reimbursing 50 percent of wages for new employees – and facilitates federal work opportunity tax credits, which can range up to $9,600 for hiring individuals who face employment barriers. But Emerson says the main advantage is the work ethic instilled in service members, as well as their commitment to teamwork and adherence to safety guidelines.

Not all employers hold service members in that regard. “Believe it or not, it can be very difficult for a veteran or somebody in the military looking for a job,” says James Wittman, a five-year Clearview employee and an active Army Reserve member. Wittman says he’s observed employers pass over workers who list active military duty on their resumes. Calls of duty may come in a matter of hours, which can put a business in a pinch. A team leader for Clearview, Wittman says Emerson is understanding of his sergeant responsibilities to the Harrison, Ark.-based Army unit. “I don’t have to worry a bit,” Wittman says about the Army’s occasional short notice for personnel.

Shine on: Hanging from rigs, climbing ladders and using other equipment, Emerson’s crew performs about 70 percent commercial jobs and 30 percent residential, a complete flip from when she bought the business. Clearview’s work takes technicians as far as Ft. Leonard Wood, Parsons, Kan., eastern Oklahoma and Eureka Springs, Ark.

Large office jobs range widely from $300 to $3,000. Homes, which largely comprise jobs for working couples, tend to average $200. The company’s 600-700 clients may only use its services once or twice a year, but some are as often as weekly. Declining to disclose revenues, Emerson says sales increased roughly 5 percent last year, and she projects a 12 percent rise this year.

Ronnie Lightfoot, CoxHealth system director for support services, says the health system has contracted with Clearview for his seven years with the company. The contract is renewed every three years, and Lightfoot says Clearview gets the edge in the bidding process because of a commitment to pristine buildings and a systematic rotation. “When you see workers hanging off the buildings, that’s her team maintaining our windows,” Lightfoot says. “If there’s a facility we own, they maintain the windows for us.”

For Cox South’s recently completed patient tower, Clearview was brought on board to perform construction cleanup work, a growing source of revenue for the company. Lightfoot says Clearview’s employees are trained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, and they take on jobs needing specialized lifts and tools to clean out-of-reach places. At Cox South, Clearview was the final piece of the puzzle after the contractors and engineers finished, essentially completing the final polishes. “It’s kind of like getting up and getting showered and all ready, and she’ll be putting makeup on the building,” Lightfoot says.

UK Window Cleaners Save The Day

Trent Cleaning Services are offering free window cleaning for members of the armed forces and veterans. Pictured is Wayne Gardener and Eldon Collins.

Free cleaning for veterans: One local business is marking Remembrance Day and celebrating the armed forces by offering free cleaning services to soldiers and veterans. “Anybody who is in the armed services can have their first window clean for no charge, and after that they will get a discounted rate,” said Joanne Collins, from Gainsborough-based Trent Cleaning Services. “Anyone who has lost a limb in action will get their windows cleaned free for their lifetime.” “And we are offering discounted rates on all of our cleaning services for anyone who is serving, or has served their country.”

Trent Cleaning Services started out in 2007 and is owned by husband and wife team Joanne and Eldon Collins. Their cleaning services include windows, carpets, contract cleaning and all sorts of domestic jobs. The couple, of Morton Terrace, have strong links with the military, so they decided to offer their help. Joanne said: “My husband has been in the Royal Air Force for 15 years as an RAF policeman.” “And my dad was in the armed forces too. Sadly, we lost him in March after a stroke. He received a lot of help from the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.” “We know how important it is being in the forces. They contribute so much to society, and their families too.” “We just wanted to do something to recognise that.” To redeem your free or discounted session, call Trent Cleaning Services on 01427 617528.

Josh Burford outside the arson-hit house. The father and son, who are window cleaners, set up a ladder at a back window to help the mother and children to safety.

Hero window cleaner saves Halesowen family from blaze: A quick-thinking window cleaner saved two young children and their mother from their burning Halesowen home after an arsonist set fire to the front door. David Burford was hailed a hero after climbing his ladder to smash a back bedroom window and rescue terrified mum Catherine Keenan-Williams, her three-year-old son and daughter, aged five, shortly at 1am today.  The desperate screams of the 36-year-old woke the neighbourhood after she discovered her hall ablaze and thick acrid smoke filling her Elizabeth Road home. She plucked the children from their beds and took refuge in her bedroom, pushing a pillow against the bottom of the door and shouting for help through the window.

Among those who heard her cries was sister Susan Keenan, who lives with their retired parents Norman and Elizabeth Keenan, in neighbouring High Farm Road. “Her garden backs onto ours - I heard her screaming and saw her hanging out of the bedroom window,” said Miss Keenan. She dashed to wake her parents and rang the fire service while Mr and Mrs Keenan ran to their daughter’s aid. Next door neighbour Mr Burford kicked down the side gate and shouted to his son Josh to fetch the ladders. “It’s all a bit of a blur. The kids were calm but the mum was hysterical,” said the 44-year-old reluctant hero.

Child safety locks on the window meant he had to break the glass with his fist and managed to get the youngest child out. “I shouted down for a hammer to break more of the window and she gave me a slat from the bed to help, but the smoke was coming in and I thought I just had to get then out,” said. He added: “Everyone was really shocked. Her dad was in a world of his own. He looked helpless - he wasn’t - he moved stuff out of the way so I could put the ladder up, but it was just how he looked.”

Fighting back the tears Miss Keenan said: “I feel very sickened by what happened. It’s the worst criminal act you could ever do, particularly if the person who did it knew there were kids in the house. “They are vile and sick and should be sent down for the longest time.” Her sister’s oldest son, aged seven, was staying the night with his grandparents and aunt and Miss Keenan said the children did not really understand what had happened. Their council house has been severely damaged by smoke and they have lost many of their possessions, but friends have been quick to rally with replacement clothes for the family. Miss Keenan said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbourhood and the neighbour who rescued them needs to be thanked, he was a star. All the people were fantastic.”

Mr Burford cut his hand on the broken window, but did not need hospital treatment. His son Josh, aged 20, said: He was brilliant - there are not many people who can say they saved three people from a house fire. He just got on with it.” Ms Keenan-Williams and the two children were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation but were not seriously hurt and firefighters rescued their pet dog, which was unharmed. A 36-year-old man was arrested from another address in Halesowen a short while later and is being questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Detective Inspector Gary Dring said: "We could easily have been dealing this morning with the tragic deaths of two young children, but thankfully they were pulled from the house before the fire was able to really take hold. They are lucky to be alive.”

Trash Bin Cleaning: Window Cleaning Add-On

Steam & Clean chief technology officer Jim Morrison operates the company's truck to clean an empty trash bin. The company was founded by Emily Wiewiorka (pictured below), a Redmond resident who wanted to find a way to clean and sterilize her trash bins.

Redmond woman starts business to clean and sterilize empty trash bins: A few summers ago, Emily Wiewiorka (pictured left) faced a very smelly problem. While her garbage was being collected each week, the odor left behind in her empty trash bins was unbearable. And the hot weather definitely didn't help. "The smell was just disgusting," the Redmond resident said. She was also worried about germs and bacteria growing in the bins. Bleach and water could have solved the problem, but Wiewiorka didn't want the runoff to go down the drains and end up in the area's rivers and streams. So she began looking for someone to clean her empty trash bins.

Even though such a service may seem unusual in Redmond, the Scotland native and mother of four was very familiar with the concept. "We have this service in the (United Kingdom)," she said. Her search was unsuccessful so Wiewiorka began looking into launching her own service. The end result was Steam & Clean, a new company that offers cleaning services for garbage cans, windows and home exteriors, which includes driveways, decks and play structures. The company, which launched its services last week, offers both residential and commercial services. The trash bin cleaning service is $3 per week, per bin and Wiewiorka (right), the company's founder and president, said they can schedule their curbside service to align with the customer's garbage collection day so the customer can leave the bins out on the curb once a week.

Steam & Clean's high-pressure steam system cleans at up to 250 degrees and Wiewiorka said this sterilizes as well as cleans. And because they only use steam, home owners don't have to worry about harmful chemicals. "We clean with no waste discharge," said James Morrison, the company's chief technology officer. Morrison said when they clean, the solids are separated from the water and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. The water is collected and filtered so that it is cleaner than drinking water and then recycled and reused. 

When they clean windows, Wiewiorka said they filter down to pure water, which allows them to get the job done without leaving any streaks on the glass. She added that the company's window cleaning service is usually a quick, one-hour job. "We're fast," Wiewiorka said. "As busy people, we don't want to be waiting all day for the guy to clean our windows." Window cleaning services are once a month and $60 per month.

In starting her new business — a nine-month process — Wiewiorka decided to invest in her local community. She hired companies throughout the greater Puget Sound area to build their high-tech trucks and even made sure all the parts were American made, often trading cheaper, made-in-China parts for their more expensive domestic counterparts. Additionally, Wiewiorka and Morrison have made it a point to make it a priority to hire veterans. To see that this happens, she and Morrison have been working with Richard Truitt, the local veterans employment representative for WorkSource in Redmond.

Truitt helps veterans in east King County — from Bothell to Snoqualmie — secure employment. He recruits and prescreens veterans who may fit a particular job with employers and works with employers on writing job-post descriptions for their open positions, which is what he has been doing with Morrison for about a month. "(Morrison) was excited about it," Truitt said. "He wanted to do this because he wanted to help vets get back to work." Truitt added that this is a free service provided by WorkSource.

Wiewiorka said Steam & Clean's services will begin in Redmond and expand to Woodinville and Bellevue as they grow. Eventually they will service more of the Puget Sound area from there, but Wiewiorka wants to start slow and grow organically as their business allows.