Homeless Veteran – permission received for photo
(c) John M. Kingery 2015- All Rights Reserved
Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace. – Catechism of the Catholic Church #2310
Three Realities
Christmas Eve, I was downtown and met a homeless vet at pioneer square. Martin (not his real name) had spent 12 years in the military with 4 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.He was discharged after being injured by an IED. As result, he has plate in his head and experiencing memory loss. That proved a problem when he missed a VA appointment and now is back on the waiting list for treatment.
Martin is from Georgia and responded with “Sir and no Sir” when I was asking him questions about his situation. He reminded me of my only brother Bill (we called him Bill) who did 2 tours in Vietnam. We lost him for 20 years. Thankfully, he had 20 more years before he passed away in 2012. My big brother believed that no one should be homeless in our country, especially the veterans.
Salvation Army Band
(c) John M. Kingery – 2015
Park West Building
(c) John M. Kingery – 2015 All Rights Reserved
I gave Martin a $1 and left $5 across the street at the Salvation Army kettle in front of Nordstrom’s. Another block west, the Park Avenue building is near completion. Prices range from $2,156 for a 573 sq ft studio to $4,538 for 1328 sq ft two bedroom condo/apartment. My boss who lives in St. John’s is reluctant to sell his home. He realizes he and his wife would not be able to remain in area if they do. We have similar issues in Washington County and the area around St. Juan Diego.
As the character of John Adams sang in 1776 – “Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see? “
Yes, we care and much is being done. Still, more is needed to help our veterans and create a world where the first reaction is not always violence. Peace – John