Army veteran Ben worked hard to support his family, “that is my job,” he said proudly.

At just 18 years old, Ben made the decision to join the Army, driven by his immigrant family’s powerful legacy of service and a deep desire to give back to his country. Over the course of an impressive 17-year career, Ben completed two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his time in the Army, he served in a wide range of roles, from reconnaissance scout to logistics support, demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill. His unwavering bravery and sacrifices were honored with the prestigious Purple Heart, a true reflection of his courage and commitment.

When Ben left the Army in his late thirties, the transition to civilian life proved to be overwhelming. “Honestly, it was very difficult,” Ben admits. He struggled to adjust to a life without the structure of military service, working jobs here and there but unable to find his footing.

Seeking new opportunities and a fresh start, Ben, his wife, and their two teenage children relocated to Indianapolis with hope in their hearts. However, instead of the stability they dreamed of, they found themselves in a desperate fight for survival. The family was forced to live out of a hotel, relying on what little resources they could muster. There were days when their only meal of the day was from the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, a single meal they had to carefully divide among the four of them.

“When you are just trying to survive, moment to moment, it’s hard to do anything else,” Brittany, Ben’s wife shared. “Every decision felt like an impossible choice.”

Every day the family had to decide whether to use the limited funds for laundry, food, or to rent a vehicle to ensure Ben could hold onto his job. . “I was paying to go to work and not breaking even,” he recalls. The financial strain was suffocating.

“I knew I needed help,” Ben said, however, like many veterans, asking for assistance wasn’t easy. “We’re taught to be tough, to push through anything. But that mindset blinds you to your problems.”

Taking that first step to ask for help wasn’t easy, but it proved to be life changing. Ben’s wife Brittany did the research, and found a number for HVAF online, and made the decision to call.

“And thank god we did,” Brittany said. Within just 24 hours, the organization sprang into action. “By the next day, the very next day, they were helping us,” Ben explained.

The impact was immediate. “They know what they’re doing,” Ben said, “and how best to help me and my family.

Ben, his family, and Miss Leslie

HVAF quickly connected the family with a dedicated case manager named Anne, who Ben and Brittany now affectionately say, “We consider her family now.” Anne wasted no time getting the ball rolling, guiding them through HVAF’s programs and prioritizing securing stable housing. Within just a few days, the family received incredible news—a home was opening up for them. After a few short weeks of preparation and support, they finally moved into a place they could truly call their own.

“I don’t have words for the impact,” Brittany said. “For my kids to have a safe place, I can see the change in them. It’s so hard to function when you are surviving, and as a mother, it’s all I wanted—for my kids to have something better.”

Even with housing and employment secured, a crucial challenge remained—transportation. Without reliable access to a car, Ben faced long and expensive commutes to work. He relied on buses and rideshares, burning time and money. “I was basically working just to pay for my ride to work,” Ben recalled.

That all changed near Christmas last year when Ben received an incredible surprise. HVAF had arranged for a car donation to help him and his family regain their independence. The donor, Miss Leslie, was proud to pass down the car in honor of her late father, a fellow veteran.

The car donation was an extraordinary act of kindness that deeply touched Ben and his family. Miss Leslie, a compassionate community member, decided to donate her late father’s car as a way to honor his memory. Her father, also a veteran, would have been proud to know that his car was now helping another veteran family build a brighter future.

“Thanks to this amazing donation, my family’s world has opened up,” Ben said gratefully. “Not only can I drive to work, but I can make my VA appointments, take my wife to her doctor appointments, or even take my kids out for a drive—which they absolutely love.”

Receiving the car was an emotional moment for Ben and his family. “It was the greatest Christmas present I’ve ever had,” he shared. With every trip, Ben remembers the values of service and sacrifice shared by Miss Leslie’s father, inspiring him to keep pushing forward. “I think about her and her father, and how grateful I am, every time I’m behind the wheel.”

Today, Ben and his family are thriving, thanks to the kindness of HVAF donors and the organization’s relentless efforts to support veterans in need. Every aspect of Ben’s life has transformed—from having a safe home and job security to newfound independence with his car.

“HVAF has done so much for me and my family,” Ben emphasized. “I don’t think people realize just how much their support impacts veterans like me. It’s life-changing.”

HVAF’s mission goes beyond simply assisting veterans; it is about uplifting entire families, creating opportunities for stability, and honoring the immense sacrifices our heroes and their loved ones have made.

Together, we can ensure that veterans and their families feel valued, empowered, and truly supported. Ben and his family aren’t just recipients of generosity—they are inspirations to us all, embodying resilience, hope, and the strength to overcome. Join us in continuing this critical work, because when we stand behind our veterans, we change lives for generations to come.

If you want to support veterans like Ben, donate today!

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