METHUEN - When Lawrence Army Spc. Alex Jimenez was kidnapped in Iraq on May 12, Jim Sereigo-Wareing went into action.

He launched a massive collection effort to send items to soldiers overseas, he decorated a bridge in honor of Jimenez and he brought two distraught fathers together to find solace in their son's uncertain fate.

Pvt. Byron Fouty of Michigan was kidnapped along with Jimenez.

Through his nonprofit, New England Caring for Our Military, Sereigo-Wareing helped Jimenez's father, Andy, and Fouty's father, Mick, meet. Sereigo-Wareing and Andy Jimenez flew to Detroit to see Fouty's family, and a few months later, Sereigo-Wareing paid for Mick Fouty to come to Lawrence.

"This is the best thing that has happened since they disappeared," Fouty said of the support he received when visiting the Merrimack Valley in November. "The love in this town for the soldiers is incredible."

Sereigo-Wareing's commitment to the troops continues. A few weeks ago, he joined Andy Jimenez on a trip to Alex Jimenez's base in Fort Drum, N.Y., for an emotional meeting with soldiers in his unit. And he's been fighting state officials to make sure his patriotic tributes to Alex Jimenez - and all soldiers - is allowed to remain on highway overpasses.

"Everyone has an opportunity to help others, and this is how I feel I can help them," Sereigo-Wareing said. "No parent should have to go through this type of ordeal, and anything I can contribute to help them is an honor for me on behalf of what their sons do for our country by serving in the Army."