Alpine, California-A Vietnam War veteran installed solar panels in his Alpine home, provided by Semper Solaris.

“I have never won the lottery, but I think it’s very close,” Bob Blumenstock said. “It really helps a lot.”

The Memorial Day gifts are part of the San Diego-based company’s Semper Cares Initiative and are designed to give back to veterans.

Kelly Shawhan is a retired Marine and one of the founders, as well as John Almond.

“This is a win-win situation,” Shawhan said. “There is no one I don’t like, I will cry before the end of the day! That’s how it is.”

Blumenstock served in Vietnam in 1968. He is a Marine who served as a dental technician behind enemy lines in support of the Marine Corps 3rd Division.

“Actually, it’s kind of exciting,” Blumenstock said. “It’s a bit scary, but it’s worth it to be able to do something good for the Marines and civilians there.”

He was also part of a team that visited villages to treat Vietnamese civilians, and many people inspired his early desire to give back.

“I realize that these people are more or less the victims of their situation, and they are deeply grateful for the feeling of being an American and being able to go home in 12 months, but these people have had to endure the pain of a lifetime,” Blue Menstock said.

But he also suffered. He was first poisoned by Agent Orange in Vietnam and later became a victim of water pollution in Le Junying, where he was stationed after returning from the war.

“My exposure was actually sprayed by crops,” Blumenstock said. “I think they are C-130 cargo jets equipped with sprayers. They will fly over the base.”

He and many others are still struggling with medical problems, but his spirit or motivation to help others has not diminished. He said that this must first serve your country.

“We really should serve our country in some way,” Blumenstock said. “It doesn’t matter what you do or where you do it, but I think it might make you more appreciate what we have here.”

Always Solaris is accepting nominations Other deserved veterans.