Not the first time that this has happened. I have been very public and forthcoming about Veterans Dignity Project and what my vision for this non profit organization is. Because of this I have been contacted by friends and friends of friends. Even a few completely cold calls. Just strangers reaching out, hoping they can find some guidance or compassion. These conversations bare on my heart.
I want to share with you one of the stories I have heard. It is my hope that you will find a bit more understanding in what some of OUR Veterans are going through.
I had never met the man with whom I was talking to. I asked for some details such as type of work, geographic location, type of business and such. Central Florida, privately owned retail store selling outdoor leisure equipment and services. After a short conversation, we identified some of the issues this Veteran was having. The employer was asking me questions because he saw the potential in this young man. The employer had no military experience. "He is slow to engage a new customer when they walk in the door". I felt that my "job" was to give this employer some insight as to what might be the cause. and I said, Imagine that YOU have just completed three rotations to Afghanistan with a combat Infantry unit. Imagine coming from a place where Everybody dresses the same. Some of them are "friendlies" and some of them are the enemy. Now, imagine that you have less than a moment to do a threat assessment on every individual or group that you encounter. Even a small mistake can cost you your life, or worse yet, the life of a comrade. That training does not go away when OUR military personnel come Home.
The employer was now looking at this situation in Florida with different eyes than before. He said that he had never imagined what this young man was going through. He questioned whether He was asking too much of his employee.. My guidance to him was this.. Utilize his skills and through that process you will find one of the best employees you have ever known.. Understand that in the Military, everyone has a completely defined roll. Ask him to do a security assessment of your property. Seek his opinion about what to do in an active shooter scenario. How to protect co workers and customers when things go sideways..
To the employers credit, He was concerned for this person. We talked a bit about the treatments offered by the Veterans Administration. What we discussed next is what lit my fire..
Three times a week, this Veteran has to leave work at lunch time. He rides a city bus to his therapy appointments at the VA. scheduled for 330pm. This might not seem like much to most,,, but let me tell you what I see.. He's Job scared. It takes an amazing employer to put up with "time away from work". Three times a week, this young man is being subjected to public transportation, ie. rushing crowds of people, loud noises, surrendering his safety to a stranger driving the bus, hyper vigilance, fight, flight or freeze, not to mention transfers and heaven forbid, the bus be late or break down.. (I have first hand knowledge about this from my time dealing with the VA in Atlanta. Scared)
He needs treatment to get better.. He needs a full paycheck to get better. Many Veterans cannot do both.
There is a solution..
This Cat needs a car...
Imagine how a set of wheels would have a positive impact on his life. You didn't "just" give him a Go machine,, You gave him a pay raise. (4hrs off work instead of 12hrs). You gave him the ability to go to a movie without being traumatized by public transportation.. (I swear, some of Americas "Public transportation systems" are either an annex of the department of corrections or a gateway to all the bad things of Hell)..
Here's the thing... It's called Dignity
:The state or quality of being worthy of honor and respect.
Any Man or Woman, who has Honorably served their Country is worthy of Honor and Respect.
Here's what I'm gonna do..
Veterans Dignity Project Inc. ( a non-profit Veterans service organization, registered) will purchase a used vehicle (around $2500). Preform the require maintenance. then present that vehicle to a "Validated" Veteran. ( I would also like to provide the funds to cover 6mths of car insurance)
I hope that it is understood... This is not one story one car. There are many Veterans who have a similar need. Life without wheels is miserable. We can help.
please visit our website at www.veteransdignityproject.org (we are making it better)
or on Facebook.
our Paypal account is Veterans Dignity Project Inc. donwood223@gmail.com
Your tax deductible, charitable contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Don Wood
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