now ... some seven years later after his duty in the army national guard ... ben clearwater is struggling for work ... but eager to earn his way. versatile. that's one word to describe ben clearwater's performance in afghanistan. whether it was operating and fixing heavy equipment wth a combat engineering batallion ... or duty as a gunner on patrol ... and under fire ... ben clearwater was ready for anything. Ben Clearwater: "We had a lot of close calls and I watched a t of good friends of mine get killed over there." <url>http: like the day their humvee was hit by an insurgent's rocket propelled grenade. <url>http: (Zoom - Pow!) Ben Clearwater: "It killed three. Me and the driver were the only two that made it out." despite the danger ... clearwater took on other missions ... doing dozer work for civilian contractors ... in exchange for generators ... heat and air for tents ... and showers for his mates back on the base. there was also the time he volunteered for a vy risky mission -- to recover a truck that was hit with an r-p-g ... with two men trapped inside ... dragging them to safety... and earning the army commendation and bronze star medals. Ben Clearwater: "I knew it had to be done. And I'd rather me do it and get hurt than these other guys be doing it and get hurt. Because when I was over there I didn't have any kids." Ben Clearwater: "Good Lord watched out for me and I made it home." (rail car squeal and under) Gerry May: "But Ben Clearwater just got some bad news. He's getting laid off. Here at the holidays. He was operating a track hoe, offloading road construction materials from rail cars. But his company says business has gotten too slow." Ben Clearwater: "Wuh-oh. Santa Clause about fell here." now ... ben does have kids ... three of them ... along with his fiance ... sabrina ... at their home in beckville ... where christmas may be without lot of material joy. Ben Clearwater: "As long as we have each other it's going to be a good Christmas." Sabrina: "Yeah." if you think you could put a hard working vet to work ... email gerry may. he'll pass it along to ben. ben says he can operate all kinds of heavy equipment ... including wreckers. he's been a mechanic. he's done welding. again ... email gerry at g-may at ktbs dot com. and if you'd like to nominate a ktbs 3 landers hometown patriot ... go to ktbs dot com ... and look under featured projects. fletch is up next with all your sports. stick around.