Helping a Local Vietnam Era Veteran
Good morning comrades and supporters of veterans,
I wanted to share a “good news story” with you all regarding a recent superlative team effort to support one of our local disabled Vietnam era Veterans.
We have been working with this disabled Veteran on a number of fronts over the past 2 years including; weekly grocery store runs, periodic financial assistance, transportation to the VA MEDCEN, getting him a new cat, acquiring a new prosthetic device, providing maid service, getting his laundry done, and lastly, and perhaps most importantly, getting him moved from his rather run down 2nd floor apartment in Leesburg, VA to new digs in Sterling, VA
Well during the past month the “planets aligned” for our Veteran as our Loudoun Veterans organizations and Loudoun Adult Services came through to provide essential and welcomed support for our Veteran. First, Loudoun County Adult Services successfully identified a brand new 1st floor apartment for our Veteran in Sterling and facilitated his acceptance and processing by the apartment complex. Getting him into a 1st floor apartment will enable him to get “out and about” and reduce his feeling of isolation. This past weekend, Marine Corps League (MCL) Detachment 1205 in Purcellville planned and executed a successful movement of our Veteran, his feline companion and his household goods, to the new apartment. MCL 1205 has truly gone above and beyond over the past 2 years in caring for our former U.S. Navy Corpsman. Additionally, VFW Post 1177 in Leesburg graciously agreed to support our Veteran by paying for his security deposit at the new apartment facility. This donation made it possible for our Veteran, who lives on a meager income, to acquire his new apartment. Lastly, American Legion (AL) Post 2001 in Ashburn, VA donated a battery operated scooter for our Veteran and successfully delivered it on Monday, February 10. AL 2001 led the away here and this scooter will give our Veteran added mobility to get “out and about.” It will not only enable him in a practical sense but will also serve to reduce his feelings of isolation as he can now get out and interact with his neighbors and community.
So as you can see, this was truly a team effort for all of us, spanning across multiple Loudoun County non-profit veteran organizations as well as local Loudoun County Government. Needless to say our Veteran was incredibly thankful and he extends his many thanks to all involved in this effort.
Scott Morse, Commander, American Legion Post 2001
