Operation Ferguson: Veteran gets help fixing his home; he encourages folks to simply 'be a friend' to vets

WAUWATOSA -- He served his country, and now, complete strangers are trying to return the favor. This, as the Wauwatosa veteran says there's something even more simple each and every one of us can do.

Sergeant Darrin Ferguson Jr.

"When you pack up your life and disappear for a year, to come home and unpack, it's just complete -- where do I go with this? You're out of routine. You're out of sync," Sergeant Darrin Ferguson Jr. said.

Ferguson has served two tours in the Middle East. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008 and then Afghanistan in 2013.

"When you're gone, you're not here maintaining your house or cleaning up after yourself or any of that stuff," Ferguson said. "You're worried about what you're overseas doing."

Ferguson's home fell into disrepair.

Operation Ferguson

"I'm not one to say 'hey, I need help,'" Ferguson said.

Ferguson's family is trying to get his home in Wauwatosa back up to code.

On Sunday, October 25th, the Milwaukee Motorcycle Gang donated $1,000.

"To show they're not big mean guys. They're soft and cuddly too," Ferguson said.

Operation Ferguson

The money will help Ferguson replace the rest of his windows.

Ferguson says it's humbling.

"Hopefully, if I ever get a bigger Harley I can join these guys and help someone else someday," Ferguson said.

At the end of the day, Ferguson says it's simpler than you'd think to help a veteran.

"Just 'cause veterans come home in one piece doesn't mean they're all there. If you're out there and you know someone -- reach out to them. Just say 'hi.' You don't have to ask them about what they've done. Just be a friend," Ferguson said.

Sergeant Darrin Ferguson Jr.

Other companies and even homeowners have pitched in to provide new siding and a new roof for Ferguson's home.

If you'd like to help with "Operation Ferguson," CLICK HERE.