A local Marine Corps veteran has received a major gift thanks to three anonymous donors.
Marine veteran and Manitowoc resident Arik Swetlik suffered a stroke in 2024, which left him wheelchair bound.
Over the past 16 months, his family worked hard to find donors to fund and build a wheelchair ramp at his home to make things easier for him and his mother and caretaker, Kathy.
However, nothing happened until Arik met Dan Reinke earlier this year.
Reinke, a volunteer project manager for various veteran-focused projects in Manitowoc County, was able to get Arik and Kathy connected with willing donors who wanted to turn this dream into a reality.
Arik Swetlik
Yesterday (July 29th), he was able to take his first trip down the completed ramp, and Reinke was honored to be involved while Arik was grateful for the support.
Reinke proclaimed, “I think we changed a Marine’s life today. I think we changed a Marine’s family life today. Right, my friend?”
Arik nodded, saying, “Yes, that’s true. Thank you, I appreciate that.”
Arik told us things have been alright since suffering from his stroke, but of course there are some struggles.
“It’s been tough to see my mom dealing with so many things, but trying to see things differently,” he explained.
He also spoke more about the support system his mother has been providing for him.
“She’s been great,” Arik said. “She’s a very strong woman, and it’s been a great success so far to see her do this while I’m home.”
Reinke, who is always looking for his next chance to help a local vet in need, also explained that while this project is complete, there is always more work to be done.
Arik Swetlik participating in the Veterans Olympics
“What I say is, ‘bring it on,’” Reinke exclaimed. “The more veterans we can help, the better. If I can’t solve it, if our teams can’t solve it, we will find others to solve it. This is a problem that needs to be taken care of. When a veteran is not taken care of, it needs to be fixed. Let us know. We’ll help fix it.”
The ramp itself was built over the past 55 days by De Noyer’s Woodworking & Improvement.
Any veteran in the community in need of similar assistance or looking to help is encouraged to contact Reinke via email at SaveTheVeteransDan@outlook.com or by calling 920-973-7870.
