Today we’d like to introduce you to George Swarner
Hi George, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Christian who believes deeply that we need to serve the most underserved people in our community. I volunteer in several ministries at my church, Oakhills Church. I have been building wheelchair and access ramps for over 20 years with the Texas Ramp Project. I feel this is my calling of service from God. The feeling of joy and accomplishment that I feel when I get to see someone who has been a prisoner in their own home due to a debilitating illness or injury realizes the freedom of mobility and the joy it brings them allows me to see both their and my humanity and worth..
Service has been my life. My father taught me long ago that no one stands taller than when they stoop to help someone else. I spent 33 years in the military; and 12 years teaching high school in San Antonio,
I believe in giving back to America as it has given so much to me. If we all keep taking and not giving back, soon there will be nothing left to give. I was raised at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum. I received a good, sound, all-round public education, I learned to work hard and show compassion for others in small town America.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges have been the frustration of seeing needs and no seeing the people of San Antonio responding. Texas Ramp Project builds over 170 ramps each year but we need to build four times that amount to meet the area’s needs. Our homeless and poverty levels are horrendous and we do not see the response necessary to alleviate the situation. Where I find peace is knowing that I am doing what I can to help. I can not fix all the problems or help all the people but I can fix one issue and help one person.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant Major. I spent 33 years in the military including 6 years In the Navy. I am a Vietnam and Desert Storm /Desert Shield veteran. In the Navy I learned and worked in electronics . But more importantly, I traveled overseas. I witnessed many different cultures and beliefs. I saw how some people were not valued because of their position in life. In the Army, I was an infantryman, a cavalryman, an instructor, a recruiter, and a retention NCO. All encouraged me to strive me to do my best no matter what I did for work. I believe in the values and ethics taught and learned in the military. I became a high school teacher and taught for 12 years in San Antonio at Kennedy High School and the Academy of Creative Education. At each schoo,I was selected by my peers as the school’s Teacher of the Year. Working with students who need and want help, is all that a teacher could ever want in the profession. I still maintain contact with several of my former students.
I have been building wheelchair ramps for over 20 years with Texas Ramps Project (TRP). I started when Quinn Becker, the Area Coordinator for the local chapter of TRP came to our men’s church group and ask us to build. Since then, I have served in every position in the local organization and continue to build. In that time I have participated in the building of over 700 ramps. But we need more help from the people of San Antonio. Volunteer to help these people get mobility freedom.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Affordability is the reason my wife and I settled here along with the large military presence that allows us to take advantage of our retirement benefits. The oppressive heat of July and August is my least favorite thing about San Antonio.
Contact Info:
- Website: Texasramps.org
