I remember meeting a stranger on the street once. He was looking lost, lonely, and disheveled. I knew he was homeless immediately, but I didn't know why. I sat down and introduced myself and asked if he would like some company. We shared a meal together and he shared his story with me. This gentlemen, was a Vet. He had served our country and lost everything while he was away at war. During Desert Storm, his wife and two kids were killed in a car accident. As you can imagine, coming home to civilian life is an adjustment itself. The trauma of war, the nightmares, PTSD, and feeling displaced all take over, but he came home alone. This hero became lost, he no longer knew what to fight for. He lost his family, his home, and his job. As heart breaking as this is, I truly believe that the worst part is the fact that society doesn't accept him. People hang their head and look down at their phones, they can't look him in the eye. This hero is used to being alone, but he shouldn't be. I loved my conversation, tearful as it was with this homeless hero. I gave him a hug, said a heart felt thank you, and even said a prayer with him. I will never forget that man. This is why our community needs to remember our heroes. Not just our every day service members, but even our past service members. We can't just turn our heads, look away, and pretend they don't exist.
It is time for everyone to serve our Vet community and give them the services that they need, food, shelter, treatment, and companionship. They have given everything for us, and together we can give back to them.
KII believes that no Vet should ever have to sleep on the streets. We are raising money for US Vets - Phoenix chapter to create additional resources for housing our Vets. Our Veterans are selfless and have sacrified everything for our country. Our community would like to say thank you. We support our Vets. Join KII and support our homeless heroes.
Thank you!
