Retired Veterans Build Ramp for Albany Army Veteran

A volunteer Ramp Crew built a wheelchair ramp at Aaron Dawson's Albany home one day before Veterans Day.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Military

Newly built pale wooden wheelchair ramp leading up to the front entrance of a brick house, with fallen autumn leaves on the lawn and a bare maple tree beside it. — Retired Army and Air Force veterans built a wheelchair ramp Tuesday at Albany veteran Aaron Dawson's home, one day before Veterans Day, after his steps made reaching doctor's appointments difficult. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A group of retired veterans built a wheelchair ramp at the Johnny W. Williams Road home of Aaron Dawson, a seven-year Army veteran, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The steps at his home had made it difficult for him to reach his mailbox, doctor's office, or grocery store.

Why it matters

The ramp restores Dawson's access to essential destinations at the home where he was born and raised and has lived for 64 years. The project shows how local volunteers are addressing accessibility needs in Albany and the surrounding region.

The Ramp Crew builds approximately 75 ramps a year through the AmeriCorps Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. The source does not report how many requests remain pending.

The players

Ramp Crew

A volunteer group within the AmeriCorps Retired Seniors Volunteer Program that builds wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities.

John Obermeier

A Marine Corps veteran and Ramp Crew volunteer who took part in the build.

The details

Dawson received a surprise at his front door on Tuesday morning as the Ramp Crew replaced his steps with a new ramp. The crew's work traces back to Jim Hill of Leesburg, an Air Force veteran who served 20 years and died the week before the build.

Seven years of Army service for Aaron Dawson, before the build.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: ramp built at Dawson's home.
November 11, 2026: Veterans Day, one day after the build.

Roadmap

The Ramp Crew operates within the AmeriCorps Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, which channels retired volunteers into home-modification projects. This build continues a ramp-building tradition that began with Jim Hill of Leesburg.

For Albany residents with mobility limits, the Ramp Crew offers a no-cost route to safer home access through volunteer construction. The build shows that retired volunteers can help residents remain in the homes they have lived in for decades.

The takeaway

Local volunteer networks can close accessibility gaps that keep residents from essential errands and appointments. Residents who need home modifications can contact community programs like the Ramp Crew to ask about available help.