This happens too often with too many wars and returning veterans but at an alarming heart tugging rate. I want you to meet Jeff and his wife and what greeted me this week in my own neighborhood.
This brave vet showed a lot of courage, maybe as much as serving when he agreed to talk to me on camera to tell his story. Since the video was made late last week, he managed to get a part time job at 8.00 an hr. Of course the job is over 70 miles one way driving. The owner of the house was contacted and the family won't be totally split up and they will be given a chance to remain in the home ..maybe. They at least got a stay until after Christmas.
Of course remaining in a rented home until things get better does not pay light bills, water bills, phone re connections or a cable reconnection or buying a tree and Christmas for two children under five years of age.
This is Christmas. This is the holiday season and this is a veteran who has returned home to PTSD, hardships and many who just don't care or don't understand what living minute to minute, day to day is like with a family. Florida has the 2nd largest backlog of disability claims in the nation. I am helping this vet try and file a claim since he suffers from PTSD and needs some relief. United Veterans will try and help them this Christmas but I have no funds in the kitty. I have gotten a late start with helping vets in the normal way this year, with my sister falling severely ill, Jack's medical problems and just day before yesterday finding out my Dad had fallen in the nursing home and has broken a hip. At 89, that is not good news for me but this is what I do.
I help veterans.
I founded a 501 C Non profit and even though it is small, we do a little good here and there. We have been recognized by C-Span and even Senator Harkin but we are so very very small. We help individually like in this case when we can.
We don't serve up salaries and parties. All proceeds go directly to help. We help in ways that help veterans in emergency situations through toys, gas, utilities, food, and consultation.
We, personally gave this young Afghanistan veteran our living room suite to just find out it may have to go into storage after Christmas. I hope that is not the case.
Watch this video and then go to my United Veterans signature line and donate what you can. JaxDem reminded me this morning on her MOT post regarding this giving season. Thanks JaxDem.
I will also provide a link or you can Kos Mail me or email me at amandakato@msn.com
Donate Link
We are a 501 (c) 3 and donations are tax deductable.
In the video you will notice a large glass jar that is out for our change jar to help the Pine Ridge South Dakota project. This family helps as much as possible for all worthwhile causes and please be careful on how you donate this season.
I am asking like minded people to help Jeff and his family and life should not be this way for our returning soldiers. It is though. I would put UVA up against any organization for getting a job done so please know your donations are appreciated and serve our veterans with real help. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and let us not forget there are thousands of these veteran stories. This one is just a little too close too home , approximately three doors down to not act upon.
Our goal is 3000.00. I am praying for that miracle fundraising goal.
If we make it through December Merle Haggard below
Mon Dec 10, 2012 at 4:05 AM PT: We met half of our goal so we can rock and roll with Santa and the utility companies. The family immediately got a full tank of gas so traveling will not be so stressful.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !