WATSONTOWN -- A dentist in Watsontown gave back to veterans in the best way he knows how: by hosting a free dental day at his office in Northumberland County.
Not only were the vets happy for the help, but the dentist learned a lot himself.
Justin Vining of Turbotville is an army specialist who served in Afghanistan. He spent the morning at a place he says he hasn't been in a while: the dentist. And the best part? His appointment was free.
"I got a cleaning and I got a cavity filled, so it was really great and very helpful," Vining said.
For the second straight year, Dr. Carl Jenkins of Watsontown held a free dental day for veterans. His office is usually closed on Fridays, but Jenkins wanted to set aside a day to give back in the way he knows how.
"Truly it's an honor to be able to treat these folks who have done so much for us and keep us safe and keep us free from harm," Dr. Jenkins said.
Dr. Jenkins says the phone lines opened at 7a.m. and within 25 minutes the appointments were all filled.
"The fairest way we can think of is to just have people call us the morning of, and we know that they're available and get them in here and we do what we can."
Robert Zezhman of Winfield served in World War II and was especially happy for the free dental work.
"He's going to realign my plates tighter so I can chew!" laughed Zezhman. These teeth were made in 1946!"
Dr. Jenkins says he also had a man come in with a broken tooth that happened while he was in Iraq.
"What an honor to be able to take care of him. You know that's something in your lifetime, my lifetime that he's been putting his life on the line."
Dr. Jenkins says he plans to continue this program every year.