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Shelton Veteran, 80, Stays Warm This Winter Thanks To Fuel Program

SHELTON, Conn. -- Vietnam veteran Burton Wellons of Shelton was recently awarded $750 worth of heating oil through Economy Fuel's Heat for Heroes program.

From left, Mike Gill of Economy Fuel, recipient Burton Wellons, Wellons' daughter Robin Friend and Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell hold Wellons' check.

From left, Mike Gill of Economy Fuel, recipient Burton Wellons, Wellons' daughter Robin Friend and Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell hold Wellons' check.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
From left, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, recipient Burton Wellons, daughter Robin Friend and Mike Gill of Economy Fuel hold Wellons' check.

From left, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, recipient Burton Wellons, daughter Robin Friend and Mike Gill of Economy Fuel hold Wellons' check.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo

Mike Gill, managing director of Economy Fuel, honored Wellons’ military service as this year’s Heat for Heroes recipient during a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce's headquarters in Shelton. Invited guests included Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell.

Every year, Economy Fuel’s Heat for Heroes program gives heating oil to a deserving Fairfield County or New Haven County veteran, helping them keep warm all winter long as a way of giving back, according to a release from Economy Fuel.

“Our company believes strongly in serving those who have served,” said Gill.

Wellons, 80, was selected from several entries. He served as a communications officer during the onset of the war. A retired self-employed carpenter, Wellons was active until earlier this year when a serious ankle infection, resulting in two debilitating surgeries and a heart attack, left him disabled.

At the same time, his wife, Priscilla, was also disabled and forced to close her business due to serious health issues. The couple lost their income and their home.

Their daughter, Robin Friend of Shelton, brought them to live near her and nominated her father for the program.

“My father is an amazing man,” she said. “Even though he can barely stand, he continues to do small furniture and screen repairs while seated. It’s not much in the way of income, so you can’t imagine how much this heating oil will help them this year.”

In addition to their Heat for Heroes program, Economy Fuel also sponsors the annual Heroes Day at the Sports Center of Connecticut and offers a special military, first responders and veteran discount for their Heating Oil Buyers Club.

Economy Fuel is a full-service heating oil company, providing heating oil delivery, heating and air conditioning installation as well as maintenance and repair to homeowners across Fairfield and New Haven counties. 

The company’s unique Heating Oil Buyer’s Club provides homeowners an affordable way to buy fuel without compromising service.  To learn more, visit http://www.economyfuelco.com/ or call 203-367-7064.

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