American Hero's

Join this group

Find groups

Work full-time outside home
Group Leader

How a Community came to the aid of a veteran: groundrat - January 04, 2009; I wanted to share the story of how a community rallied to the aid of a local Veteran. I was called by a friend in the State Military reserve on New Years eve,to ask if I could assist one of his local vets that was under the care of the V. A. and his family had no food.

Because of a paperwork oversight this veterans family had not received any benefits from before Thanksgiving, and unemployment was not covering the bills. His wife had to decide between food and fuel to visit him some 75 miles away.

New Years eve, a lieutenant from the SMR had brought some food from the armory 60 miles away after requesting my assistance. As most of you know I participate in homecomings with the Patriot Guard Riders, So I made a request to our local riders. The response was overwhelming. On New Years Day the family had in excess of 400 pounds of food, the propane tanks were filled, and the immediate needs had been more then corrected. The city was also involved along with the local and State Veterans Administration. Saturday the Patriot Guard Riders from the area, provided a help on the home front ride. This ensured that the next couple of months were addressed as well.

The main motivation for the posting is not a request for assistance, but to more over illustrate how the actions of one person can change and elevate the situation of another. No matter who you are or your circumstances, your connections to others in your community makes you a powerful force. In every community there are groups that are focused on the support of others. I would strongly encourage everyone to seek them out.

You do not need to be able to provide the monetary support, the ability to provide a can of soup, box of rice, some hash browns is powerful. The groups that came together on a holiday was only possible because of the community of supporters that were already in their circle of friends. The power of a little from each of their members adds up to life changing.

The thought I would like every one to take from this story, do not feel that you need to improve things before you can help someone else. Sometimes all it takes is the ability to send an e-mail or make a call to move a mountain.

I hope everyone has a prosperous New Year, and thank you for reading This post.
Mark
Not acceptable?