Do you have any idea of what life is like for a homeless veteran?

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:24:04 -0500

Before my father-in-law died I would have lunch with him at least once almost every week. As we walked the streets of Los Angeles and were approached by a homeless person seeking a handout he would always give a little something. I scoffed thinking that it was a waste, probably to be spent on drugs or booze. Then he died and for some inexplicable reason I took up his habit. Indeed I now feel guilty if I don't have something in my pockets to give (I seldom use cash anymore). After seeing this, I'm going to make sure that I always have a little change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvoWBbYxdwc
I defy you to watch the whole thing without a tear in your eye. And don't tell me that's what we pay taxes for. Look at this Administration attempting to care for refugees from other countries while homelessness among US veterans is endemic and primed to get worse as they downsize the military

The Homeless Man VS Homeless Child! (Social Experiment)

Snapchat: @itsMoeBradberry @Ethan_Bradberry Subscribe to our 2nd channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClKSoKt_2nO5JycU4NWm9eA In association with: http:...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2015 4:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:31:27 -0500

Several years ago a mother and wife decided to go purposely homeless and it her messed her up pretty badly.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Nov 21 at 2015 4:38 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 16:38:18 -0500

No i do not

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 21 at 2015 5:39 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:39:10 -0500

In the late 1990's from 1995 to late 1999 CPT Jack Durish I was homeless after my first wife had a no-contact order served to me while I was undergoing my first heart catheterization. I kept my children in the house where they were growing up while she remarried. By the grace of God I spent only a couple night sleeping in a car and slept in spare rooms or basement or a few years. Each time one place fell though, God arranged for another place just at the last possible moment in seemed.
My wife [married in December 1999] and I were evicted from our home last summer [2014]. We are taking care of my 93 year-old mother-in-law in her home.
I am generally careful around homeless people since I walk with a cane. I try to treat each person with respect and help homeless people when I can. In our previous home we took in young men who were in trouble and had no place to go.
I concur with you about the improper priority of the "Administration attempting to care for refugees from other countries while homelessness among US veterans is endemic and primed to get worse as they downsize the military."

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 21 at 2015 5:58 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 17:58:06 -0500

It truly is not the things you receive but the things you give that created the real Sphere of (positive) Influence. As 1LT S. Doyle stated, it is heartbreaking to see the way a veteran is treated.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 21 at 2015 6:00 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:00:16 -0500

I serve on a board for homeless and it is a difficult road to walk. There are a million reasons for why someone ends up in that situation but sadly few answers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 6:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:26:37 -0500

No Sir, I don't, however, every winter I donate whatever I can because I do remember walking fire guard at Fort Devens, in December, and wearing a field coat with lining and a Parka with lining, and I was still freezing cold. I always remember that in the winter and think about the homeless and what they must be feeling. Thus, the donations. Have a blessed day, CPT Jack Durish.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 21 at 2015 6:28 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:28:11 -0500

CPT Jack Durish Awesome video and post! What is worng with our country letting in people that could end up like our own homeless individuals and veterans and then you watch this video and as a country we can't take care of our own. It just doesn't make sense!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 6:41 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 18:41:07 -0500

CPT Jack Durish , very moving video. Thank you Sir

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 22 at 2015 10:58 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 10:58:02 -0500

Jack, I do the same...

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made Nov 23 at 2015 9:48 AM

SSG Katherine Likely — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 09:48:00 -0500

We all have a part to play in the homeless situation. While I would love to set my merger table for extra guests - I would rather take care of those that are already here.