Update 3/6: Jerry has settled into his apartment and is enjoying his new space. He let us know he is very happy with the meal delivery and says they are “delicious!” His fridge is stocked with both food and drinks. Sean is scheduled to visit him once a month to check-in.
At the end of the month, Hero’s Bridge spared a veteran from homelessness.
Hero’s Bridge received a call on January 24 about an Army veteran who would be homeless at the end of the month.
The room that the veteran had rented for 14 years had been sold, and new occupants took ownership on January 31. Plans to move in with family had fallen through. With a fixed income, options were limited, and time was running out.
On January 26, Hero’s Bridge Field Battle Buddy, Sean, met with Army Veteran, Jerry, who was apprehensive about the visit but eventually agreed to speak with Sean.
Jerry’s financial situation left little room for added expenses. The local Extended Stay was the best option, and Hero’s Bridge offered to cover the first week of rent to ease the burden. Jerry’s former roommate also donated some food to tie him over until a meal delivery service began. Throughout this stressful ordeal, Jerry, a humble individual content with what he has, remained optimistic and seemingly unfazed.
Once he was settled in his new apartment, Hero’s Bridge Veteran Volunteer Bill stopped by to meet Jerry and deliver a donated microwave.
The two veterans spoke for over an hour, swapping military stories. Jerry grew up on a large Culpeper farm and only left the county for his Army service, where he was a supply specialist from 1966 to 1969. He served in Vietnam at a general supply depot and experienced the Tet Offensive.
“I thoroughly enjoyed helping Veteran Clatterbuck. I learned he is a Culpeper native who volunteered to serve our country as a soldier during the height of the Vietnam War. Like all the veterans I’ve been honored to serve with Hero’s Bridge, he has an incredible story to tell. It humbles you,” said Bill.
On Friday, February 2, Bill returned to deliver a donated chair and side table to Jerry to make him more comfortable.
Hero’s Bridge listed him as a Bravo Veteran in the database: a veteran who is independent but would enjoy regular monthly visits from a Hero’s Bridge volunteer. Sean followed up with Jerry a few days later and found the veteran comfortable in his new apartment and appreciative of the support he received from Hero’s Bridge. He will continue to work with Jerry to make sure he receives all the services for which he is eligible.
Hero’s Bridge’s four core pillars:
1) Always remain centric to the older veteran
2) No red tape
3) No passing the buck
4) Never leave a man behind
Having no red tape allows Hero’s Bridge staff and volunteers to respond and mobilize when help is needed. Hero’s Bridge services are always free to veterans and their families.
To help aging veterans in need, donate to Hero’s Bridge.