PORT JERVIS – While he was still a senior in high school, lifelong Port Jervis resident Tobey Lee Popstein joined the ranks of America’s military service. He pledged to serve with the United States Navy upon his 1969 graduation. Popstein, his brother Steven, and classmates Tom Glynn and Dan Doyle each committed to this and became active servicemen together.
Now, more than 50-years later, Popstein, a disabled Vietnam War Navy veteran who served in Southeast Asia, Panama, and other duty areas, has received a helping hand from a grateful community.
Popstein was hospitalized for a time while in the service and has struggled with painful health issues over the years. He recently became unable to make needed repairs and maintain the home he proudly helped construct in the 1980s. A retired plumber who had remained active over the years, Popstein’s problems seemed overwhelming and increasingly insurmountable.
Fortunately, this veteran’s hometown region is one where neighbors look out for each other and where America’s servicemen and women are held in high regard. Individuals became aware of their neighbor’s need for a helping hand, and life changing actions began.
Having fallen several times while navigating stairs, stairlifts were added to his staircase and to his step-down garage. His bathroom was upgraded for full access and safety.
Next, Home Depot Foundation, through its annual Celebration of Service Campaign, approved supplies, staff and family volunteers, and paint application to the interior and exterior of his large home. Sponsored by Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, of which Popstein is a member, and supported by community volunteers, all of the interior rooms and the front of his home were painted in 2019. Then Covid restrictions halted the project.
While spring and fall cleanups, lawn care, plowing, and other home projects were completed by others, the exterior painting remained on standstill – until this fall.
“I was pretty sure the rest of the painting wouldn’t be able to be finished because so much time had gone by, but that didn’t matter to me. So many things were already better,” Popstein said. “I appreciate everything that was done for me. It’s frustrating not to be able to do it myself when I used to do everything.”
Popstein was wrong about his painting prediction. As the end of 2022 approached, several groups stepped in and came up with a plan to complete the exterior painting job. Nam Knights Orange County Chapter and Port Jervis Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #645 hired Cilia Fine Painting, which worked with them and discounted the cost to complete the job.
Bob Gardner, an Elk and involved member of the community, heard about the unfinished mission and immediately reached out to help, as did Kevin Somarelli of Nam Knights. The mission of both groups is one of helping veterans, and by working together they were able to finish this project – and more.
“Tobey’s a veteran who needed help, and that’s what we earn money for,” Gardner said. “That’s who we are.”
“Our mission for the Nam organization is to try to help others in need,” said John Richichi. “This veteran’s home was in need of repairs, and we were glad to be able to help,” he said.
“As a Nam Knight we are able to be part of something bigger than just one person. Doing this for Tobey is the purest part of our mission – to help out a Vietnam Vet,” Somarelli added.
Charles Croker lost family members in Vietnam and as an ordained minister tries to help other veteran families. “I’m very proud to be part of this organization. Vietnam Veterans weren’t properly welcomed home, and I’m glad to be part of helping now,” he said.
Life is better for Popstein, too. Not only is his home safer and improved, but so is his outlook and personal inspiration to also give back. As a serviceman, Popstein traveled to many countries around the world on the U.S.S. America. His last year, beginning in June of 1972, included 10 months in the Gulf of Tonkin (Yankee Station) off the coast of Vietnam. While stationed in this area, his carrier’s aircraft departed from and landed on the ship 24 hours a day, seven days a week. His crew’s mission was to carry out strike operations against communist targets in North Vietnam.
Upon his return home, Popstein put his past musical skills back into use playing TAPS at veteran and other events. This is something he had not felt a drive to do in recent years.
“I’m looking to try to find a second-hand trumpet and see if I can start helping out that way again. I was pretty good at it, and I know there is a shortage of volunteers to play TAPS at events. I would really like to get back into this again,” he said.
