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Get Marty: Veteran Giving Back To Community, Hoping To Help Fellow Vet In Need

HERMITAGE (KDKA) -- A local veteran wants to help out another veteran with a very special gift.

"I love my country. I love what it's all about," says Vietnam veteran Jim Balog.

Jim served in Vietnam as a gunner on a helicopter. He was injured in a chopper crash and sent home.

"I was a door gunner. The chopper hit a mountain. I am lucky to be alive," he says.

Jim's father was also a veteran.

"My father got a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in World War II," he said. "He took out a German machine gun nest."

Before his father died, they talked about giving away a piece of family-owned property in Hermitage. It's large enough to put a small house or a trailer on.

"We want to give it to the most-needy and deserving veteran," says Jim. "We'd like to help a veteran who is homeless or disabled."

The family couldn't find a charity to give away the property, so they decided to Get Marty.

"It finally dawned on me. If you want to get something done, you call Marty," says Jim.

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The property is free. The taxes are paid. Jim has all of the paperwork.

"We just want to help a veteran," says Jim.

KDKA promised Jim we would get the word out. If you are interested, please email the Balog family at DJBRings@Verizon.net.

Jim will take a look. He will also use a local veterans group to make the decision.

If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.

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