Lets give a round of applause for

[mnwildpunk]

I join the group about a year ago and almost instantly made friends with another gentleman on here who has the handle disabled modeler (Mark O.). Some of you may know him . I don't know if your aware of the amazing things he is doing for not only for the hobby but also other disabled men in his area.

After an accident severely injured him and left him bed ridden for a few months. He thought of an idea and sat on it until he was mobile. Although mark never fully recovered from his accident his mind kept going back to how bored he was when laid up.

He went into the community and met other disabled men and that is when Mark started helping those guys who were bored to tears everyday with nothing to do. He started getting together with 12 guys. Now this is where the story really starts to get impressive. On only a disability check Mark started bringing these guys paints, glue, brushes , etc and placemats. Along with a model out of his collection.

He meets with these guys (which sadly the group is down to 6 because of certian member condition worsening or passing away) every wednesday and thursday morning. He teaches them many things and in his words "you'd be surprised what you can teach a person" you should if you can look at his models he has completed. If he teaches those guys 1/4 of his talent those are some great looking models his group is making. I can't believe he is able to do this on a disability check. From talking to Mark he thinks he isn't doing much but what he is doing is immeasurable!!!

I think we all need to take a second give Mark a round of applause for what he is doing.

[cobraman]

Here, here !

[Bartster]

Kudos Mark. lt sure feels good to make a difference! l have taken on a very similar task on a 1:1 basis. lf you don't think this is work, guys, believe me....it is! Bart.

[sjordan2]

Thanks for bringing this up. Definitely worth applause.

[trogdor]

Yes Mark is a stand up guy

[JunkPile]

The gifts that Mark recieves in return for his efforts are more than we can imagine.

[crazyjim]

I don't know Mark, but certainly applaud his efforts.

[Art Anderson]

More of us than most people imagine got started in this hobby during at least a period of time on the "disabled list". That's when I got started. 60 years ago right now, as an 8yr old, I was finally being allowed to sit up in bed after a severe bout with rheumatic fever (which generally caused a heart murmer due to damage to the mitral valve of the heart, which in my case it did). Dad was my "savior" in all that, introduced me to Revell Highway Pioneers, and even after I got back on my feet, I was hooked, and Dad realized he'd created a monster! So, I have had every incentive to aid a disabled person who wanted to try building models, all these years, and have done so on more than one occasion, almost always one-on-one though.

Art

[signguy2108]

A big thanks Mark! I was declared disabled in 2008 due to congestive heart failure. Have had two bypass surgeries, a pace maker, and back surgery since 2006. I died 3 times on the oper. table in 08 and spent 3 wks in a coma. Luckily, I survived all of that! Doctors told me to go home and get on the couch. NOT! I'm lucky enough to still get out and do things and know all to well how long I would last with nothing to do. So once again, thank you for giving these people a purpose in life! Larry.

[disabled modeler]

I am very honored gents...thank you. Its not easy but nothing ever is in life for most anyone....when people help others it makes it easier for someone.

[george 53]

SaaaaaaaaaLoooot!! You deserve it Mark, your a geniunely good person and good freind! God Bless you, crazy boy!!!

[Lunajammer]

I believe people are communal by nature and extending out to welcome someone into your fold in a positive way is never a wasted effort, even if it doesn't achieve the result you expected. It at least conveys worth to someone who maybe didn't even know they needed it until they received it. And in this case doesn't hurt the hobby either. Outstanding Mark.

[Skip]

I am very impressed with your project! Having spent some time on workman's comp with an injury that kept me off the job for almost 6 years I understand part of what your group is going through. (Injured my ulnar nerve lost feeling and function in half my hand, long journey to get back, 3 surgeries, lots of physical therepy. No vacation at all!) Modeling provided me with a needed diversion during this ordeal.

Mark, What types of kits and supplies could someone donate to your project? Do you have a Pay-Pal account that someone could transfer money to for you to replenish your donated supplies if someone wanted to donate $5 or $10 or more? If someone wanted to donate to your group what would you like or need? Might be neat for your group to work through the same kit(s) together.

[CorvairJim]

Thank you and God Bless you for all you do for these gentlemen, Mark.

[Tom Setzer]

HIP HIP HOORAH! MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN EVERYTHING YOU DO!!

[Hedgehog]

May our dear Creator God bless you and Thank Him for keeping people like you around us. You've changed the life of not only your group but ours too by setting a great example of love for others. Applause!!!!! And let us know if there is a way of donating or helping keep it up

Edited July 15, 2012 by Hedgehog

[PatRedmond]

You're one of the good ones, Mark

[dimebolt]

Another good example of how great the people in this hobby are! Top notch in my book Mark.

Corey

[disabled modeler]

Thanks guys but the credit goes to all modelers for without them the companies would not be there. Being disabled myself from a bad car accident in 96 I had long partial recovery after many surgeries was bedridden for a long time with nothing to do but stare at ceiling tiles and count the dots...LOL.. just could not let anyone else do that if I could do something about it even if things here are very tight like with most of you. I figure I am lucky enough to have my dads old ones to restore so I find stuff at garages sales or here and there for them best I can. Your a great bunch to even care these days and have my appreciation for it. I have been doing this with them for about two years now teaching them tricks and tips and there pretty good builders really and can handle about any of them only one needs help at times with things. If anyone wishes to help just send me a PM. Thanks guys and god bless you all. Mark

[gasser59]

WTG Mark. I'll just bet you can't even imagine what a difference you have made in the mental outlook of these gentlemen you are spending time with. Again, please let us know how we can contribute and what kind of stuff you could use such as tools, etc. I would gladly contribute. It would be an honor.

[John Teresi]

I tell ya........some good people still left in this world.........I sure would be thankful.........thanks Mark

[Wagoneer81]

I knew that Mark was a good, stand-up guy, but I sure didn't know this! *Applause* Way to give something back to our society! Every little thing can have a big influence on things.

[Colin Russell]

Mark,you have my respect sir!

To have been in a bad crash yourself yet plot how to help others while partly recovering is a wonderful selfless action.May you get your rewards in this life as well as the next.

[disabled modeler]

I already have....I am still here.

[mnwildpunk]

Now that is a great answer Mark