This story is part of HVAF’s annual tradition: 12 Vets of Christmas, where each day we are featuring a veteran whose life has been positively changed because of the essential services and programs HVAF provided in 2021.

Providing a new service

HVAF driver Wayne, also a Marine veteran, presented the scooter AND an American flag to Randall. Randall’s case manager, Lucy, was also there to support him.

Thanks to increased donations at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, HVAF staff could continue to meet the growing demand for services and assistance in such an uncertain time.

Our case managers utilized funds to pay for hotel stays for veterans. This was a game-changer as local shelters were bursting at the seams and so many homeless individuals needed somewhere to shelter-in-place. Since then, we’ve been able to continue providing emergency hotel stays through CARES Act funding. HVAF paid for 4,400+ nights in hotels in 2020.

Randall’s story

One veteran who has been able to stay at a hotel since July is Marine Veteran Randall.

“I don’t know what I would do without HVAF,” Randall said. “I’ve been so grateful that I’ve had a place to stay.”

His case manager, Lucy, is helping Randall receive everything he needs as he recovers from a recent surgery. Recently, she helped him receive something that will change his entire life! Thanks to a generous donor, Randall received a new (to him) electric scooter.

“Looks like I’ll be able to get around better because right now I’m having a lot of trouble walking,” Randall said. “It will help me get out there and do things I need to do.”

Randall said he especially looks forward to getting out of his hotel room and go to nearby restaurants.

Behind the scooter

The scooter’s original owner is fellow Marine Veteran Howard. His daughter, Lillian – a Navy veteran – wanted to make sure the scooter got passed along to a veteran in need.

“That would have pleased my dad, continuing the legacy of helping each other because that’s what a military family does,” Lillian said. “That scooter certainly meant a lot to dad, so I just feel that it needed to be passed on and be of service to someone else who’s given their life.”

Randall said he is so grateful to Lillian for passing this on, and he plans to pass it on to another veteran in need when the time comes.

Blessing Randall

Through tears, Randall said, “I’ve never had anything handed to me in my life, I don’t know how I got so blessed!”

HVAF would love to continue providing new opportunities for veterans when new needs arise in the future. YOU can make that happen TODAY!

YOUR continued support ensures that other veterans like Randall receive the life-changing help they need. Will you make a tax-deductible donation today to support those veterans?

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