It was a win-win situation for all those involved.

Rebuilding Together South Sound teamed up with VetsMeetVets and homebuilders from the Master Builders Association July 23 to build ramps at the homes of three Pierce County homeowners.

Veterans from several different groups and  backgrounds came together to pitch in and help.

Operation New Normal founder Josh Renschler brought three veterans who he has been working with for nearly a year to help overcome post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Renschler's nonprofit focuses on Christ-centered healing therapy, and he believes part of that healing can also come from giving veterans an opportunity to help out in their communities.

"(Veterans) forget that they are capable members who can contribute," said Renschler, an Army veteran who suffered a traumatic injury in Iraq in 2004. "I think that when guys get the opportunity to help someone else in their community, it can be therapeutic."

Veterans not only helped with building ramps, but also did whatever they could to help spruce up the home they were working at.

"We were weatherizing doors, mowing the lawn, all kinds of stuff," Renschler said.

Todd Foster, a Navy veteran who leads local efforts to help homeless veterans, also brought a group of veterans anxious to help.

"All of them had the same feeling that I did," Foster said. "One of great community pride."

Some of the homeless vets who volunteered helping build ramps and do yardwork have not worked in years, Foster said.

"They enjoy the chance to be productive in society, and by volunteering it brings everything out," he said. "It makes them feel like they're worth something."

That feeling really kicked in when the veterans saw the homeowners' reaction to their good work.

"When they see the homeowner happy, it makes them happy," Foster said.

This was the first year VetsMeetVets became a part of the Ramp-A-Thon, and it won't be the last, said founder Rod Wittmier.

"There is nothing better for our veterans then to be back in service in their community," Wittmier said. "It stops the spiral immediately by raising ones self-worth and value in their community."

The projects were partially funded by the City of Lakewood.

Rebuilding Together South Sound's mission is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners - particularly the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children.