NORFOLK, Va. — Volunteers and students from a home-building nonprofit teamed up recently to give an 86-year-old Vietnam War veteran a major home makeover, completely free of charge.

Thomas Heckert, who lives in Norfolk’s Berkley neighborhood, has struggled with uneven kitchen floors since moving into his home two years ago. The longtime Navy veteran and retired law enforcement officer said the flooring has caused him to trip several times over the years.

That’s now changing, thanks to the Home Depot Foundation and students from the Home Builders Institute , a national nonprofit that provides trade skills training for the building industry.

“We’re going to be working on remodeling his floors, installing the dishwasher, which he has never owned, and bringing a patio or seating into hi

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