LAKE PARK, GA (WALB) -
A retired Moody air force base staff sergeant may have only a few weeks left to live after a six year battle with cancer.
Jack Mester's home has deteriorated during his illness, and he's worried about the condition in which he'll leave it for his wife and daughter who are also dealing with serious illnesses.
Jack Mester is a man with an inspirational career. His service for our country exceeds 20 years of duty. He retired from Moody after taking part in Desert Storm as an F-16 crew chief and many other operations.
"I don't consider my self a hero or a person who should be looked up and admired to, I'm just a common man and I'm just trying to do my best," said Mester.
Mester has been fighting esophageal caner for six years and it's about to take his life. His wife suffers from diabetes and lupus and his daughter has epilepsy. The medical bills keep piling up.
"Living on a limited budget, that really hurts because I pay my bills with what SSI gives me and the little money that I have from retirement doesn't go very far," says Mester.
From being sick for so many years his home has been seriously neglected.
After the family's central air condition unit went out, they had to resort to window units, because they couldn't afford to replace it.
The roof on the home leaks in most rooms and a bucket sits in place to catch water in the living room where a tree fell on the home and the roof has never been properly fixed. The Mester's would like to have a reliable home to live in before Jack passes.
"It's urgent for us, it'll give us a peace of mind, but most of all it's going to give him a peace of mind. You know Jack's the type of man who will give up his life for you, said his wife, Dawn Mester.
The family cannot find an insurance company that will insure their neglected mobile home. But Valdosta Veterans First is stepping in with the Valdosta American Legion to volunteer their time to fix up the home. Mester says their help has answered his prayers.
"I feel like it's a god blessing, really," said Mester.
Mester's daughter says he's her whole life.
"He's surrounded us with love, he's taught us so much," said Morgan Mester.
Mester will also leave behind another daughter and son.
If you would like to make a donation to the family or help with the home repairs, contact Tim Oliver with Valdosta Veterans First at 229-561-5251.
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