Signe and I were made aware of a recently returned veteran via the following letter from John Stewart. John is involved with Barbara Mills and Operation Welcome Home which honors veterans returning to Citrus County.
Subject: Veterans Assistance Needed
Hello All:
I was approached by a local government staff member asking for help for a local veteran.
We have a veteran of the Navy and Operation Enduring Freedom needing some help. Barbara Mills and I have been working through a couple organizations to get some needs from CUB, etc. but since it is a pretty large subject of support needed when you consider size and ages of the children, along with the fact Xmas approaches and her will be so many requests for help, I am sending it to you asking you to help or froward it along to someone who can.
This young man is now out of the service for about a month and also unemployed. He is seeking a job, including thru Career Source and other avenues, but has some personal and financial difficulties requiring assistance until he gets back on his feet. He is a single parent and lives with his parents alongside his 4 young children. Their info is below along with a list of needs I asked him to provide me. I do not want money given out, simply what is on his list or a gift card from a clothing store, restaurant, etc., to ensure integrity of the effort. Gift cards from stores and restaurants were the best when I was a VFW Post Commander because the family could choose types of clothes, etc. that were actually needed and we did not donate clothing that could not be used or were inappropriate. Gift cards at places like Applebees, Beef O'Brady's, etc. would be good. Canned goods should be ok, but I would not send perishable items. I would prefer you deal directly with the individual as Barbara is working me to death :), but if you cannot do it directly please contact me. I am willing to come and get any donation for delivery. Again, no cash.
His name is Corey and here is his response to my discussions with him on what he immediately needed:
Diapers size 4
Baby wipes
Girl clothing size 3t and size 2t
Boy clothing size 10 and size 7
girl shoes toddler size 7 and size 5
Boy shoes adult size 71/2 and youth size 2
I could use some help with food too.
And most of all a well paying job to support my kids.
Thank you I am going through a lot. And very thankful for your helping hand.
The children are:
2 year old girl
3 year old girl
7 year old boy
9 year old boy
We will be doing a Welcome Home for him in the very near future, but he needs help now. However, at that Welcome Home tentatively scheduled on Dec 26th at A.L. Post 155 (more on that later), I would like to have a Xmas for the children (toys, other small gifts) with Santa present similar for what we did for the soldier's kids on Halloween at our Welcome Home. Need a Santa, I am not fat enough yet. Got one out there somewhere to volunteer with a suit? I know Godfrey looks like an old Santa, just get him a suit. Or, get me one. I have pillows.
And, of course, he needs a job.
Please pass this along, as I do not have everyone's email address.
Thanks.
John Stewart
Vice Chairman
Citrus County Veterans Service Advisory Board
Signe Voelz read the above letter at the WEHA Christmas Party following the installation of officers. A motion was made to donate to Corey. It was seconded and unanimously approved. The check was written the same day. We purchased a gift card and contacted Corey. We met him at Walmart in Dunnellon and presented him with the following letter and a gift card.
December 7, 2014
Dear Corey,
The Woodland Estates Homeowner’s Association would like to thank you for your service. We all sleep better at night knowing that the men and women of the United States military are protecting us. You’ve made a sacrifice for us and we truly appreciate it.
We would like to say thanks by presenting you with a Walmart gift card for the sum of five hundred dollars. We hope that this will help you get started and take away some of the pressure and anxiety of the return to civilian life. Welcome home!
Sincerely yours,
The Woodland Estates Homeowner’s Association
Corey and his 2 youngest accept the letter and gift card from WEHA. Signe and I were honored to be able to present this gift to this Navy veteran on behalf of WEHA. We saw a tear shed from a very grateful young man. He sincerely thanked the members of WEHA for their kindness and generosity.