he flag that hangs on Wilbur Schmit's screened in porch was a gift.
His granddaughter, Tara, flew it over Iraq in 2007 while she was stationed there. She was in the Navy like her grandfather.
The wall where the flag hangs, the porch and the siding, the roof and so much more are also gifts.
They were given by a community that wanted to show its gratitude to a World War II veteran.
More than $40,000 in donations, supplies and labor were given to the Schmit family to repair damage done by a May windstorm.
"As a family, we do appreciate everything that everybody has done," Schmit's daughter Bonnie Novakowski said Saturday. "It's just overwhelming to see a community come together like this. We want to thank everyone who's been involved in it."
A fish fry was hosted at the Almond Street home by members of John 3:16 Ministries to celebrate the completion of the project.
"We appreciate the fact that the community came together and supported this and helped raise funds to finish the project," said Allen Cole, a teacher and instructor with John 3:16.
Members of John 3:16 helped with the initial clean up, after Pinkston Excavating removed a tree that fell on the west end of the Schmit's home.
The tree destroyed the bedroom Schmit's wife, Anna, had left only moments before, obliterating walls and the roof.
The damage occurred less than a week after Novakowski's husband died. She lives in Minnesota, while other members of the family are scattered across the country in Florida, Oklahoma and North and South Dakota.
Distance created problems, as well as Schmit's reluctance to ask for help, according to those attending Saturday's event.
Some members of the family said they didn't know the extent of the damage until photos appeared in the Daily American Republic, along with a plea from volunteers for support.
"This is just an incredible moment," said volunteer Jeff Shawan, who helped organize the fundraising. "How good this was for our community, to find out about a World War II veteran who was having a hard time and be able to help him. That's a blessing for Poplar Bluff and Butler County."
Shawan became involved after staff at Northside Nutrition sought help for the Schmits, who receives noon meal deliveries.
Repairs were completed by crews from Property Pro, which is owned by Chris McArthur, a John 3:16 graduate.
McArthur's late grandfather was also a World War II veteran.
"He has always meant a great deal in my life," McArthur said. "That whole generation is just amazing. When the opportunity came along to help somebody that kind of reminded me of my grandfather, I was super excited to be a part of it."
As family and volunteers gathered in the street and lawn Saturday, Wilbur and Anna ate and talked with new friends.
"I hardly expected it to ever get this great. There was a lot of outside help. I want to thank everyone for the help," Schmit said, before adding with a smile, "And I hope I don't need it again."
The Schmits had been on Almond Street for less than year when the storm struck. A fall flood in 2016 had forced them out of their previous home.
Schmit served on the USS Washington, joining the Navy at the age of 17.
His ship was fired upon by the Japanese over and over, Shawan said. Schmit was on board for 22 months without setting foot on land, he said.
The USS Washington survived Kamikaze attacks and a storm that was so bad it ripped up the steel ammunition lockers kept on the deck, Schmit said.
The crew was traveling back and forth to England to pick up soldiers.
"We loaded up and were coming back and going by Greenland. That's when we hit that storm," the 92-year-old recalled recently. "It like to give that old girl all she wanted."
Waves were 30-foot high, he said.
"It raised that thing up and you looked right up at the stars, and then back down and it disappeared," said Schmit, who received a section of the deck after the storm-damaged ship was decommissioned.
Shared experiences have helped her bond with her grandfather, said Tara Novakowski. She retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. Now living in Florida, his granddaughter and great-grandchildren were among the family who wanted to be a part of Saturday's celebration.
"He's been very blessed in having so many people help him out from the community," Bonnie Novakowski said.
This project was completed with $20,000 in donations from community members and $20,000 in materials from the charity Purple Heart Homes.
In addition to storm damage repairs, the Almond Street home received a new roof, windows, siding and screened in porch, along with repairs to electric, joists and the laundry room. A new washer and dryer and electric hospital bed have also been donated.