[likewater]

I stopped to give him a measly 3 bucks. He didnt seem to notice the money much, he really needed to talk . He was talking before i even finished walking to him. He told me how he'd been decorated. He showed me his military id. he told m e all the men he'd lost.
And then also friends too. He told me how useless the va was. How he'd been in iraq and afghanistan. He had goneon so many tours, i couldnt keep track. He told me other vets were under bridge with him. A lot were suicidal. He thankfully isnt. He has to fight rats at
night. He doesnt understand because he did everything his country asked of him. Joined the military right out of high school. He
fought in wherever he was sent and didnt question. Im haunted by the little he told me. I'm saddened. I know i cant , but i just
wanted to take him home with me. I'm so frustrated and helpless and angry. I know i can pray. Tomorrow the elders from my church come over, i'll tell them. Maybe the church can help. He said the ace hardware seemed keen on hiring him, so i'll pray for that too.

[Open Eyes]

I am sorry to hear there are vets that are homeless, THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
I am ashamed of our government for allowing that to happen.

Open Eyes

[Nammu]

So many like him, it saddens me too.

don't get me started!

[likewater]

I never saw him again.

[beauflow]

Likewater did you talk to your church.

It is really sad with war and the people that are involved, and they come back and home, and i don't mean to sound mean, but they don't get much in return... Yeah I know that the government I guess has facilities set aside for the veterans to get help if they are in need, but I don't think it is enough.

Vets and kids in situations (especially in America for me) can really lit up my flame-- i don't get it, and i don't understand, and i feel as Likewater says with feeling helpless.

You are such a kind heart Likewater to even have that thought of

wanted to take him home with me

.... but as you mention you know all that you can do,

It is like people with animals I am sure, that want to take in all of them, and the ones that do end up doing more harm than good due to overwhelmed. By no means am I trying to say anything less of it is just a similarity. - A lot of us, want to care for the other humans out there that we have compassion for, but the sad fact is we can only do so much- I think with you talking to your church is a good step.



I remember one time when I was taking buses every where I would meet a lot of characters.. some were vets, some were just bums, others like me just wondering around trying to get from one place to another--- with some people, i would give them food if I had any as passing by- after all I do have a job, i can go to the store later- some people that I meet could not just simply go to the store later....
And then there were the others that I would give change to-- They swear they would not go drink, but if they were not going to take my food what were they going to do with the change?... and undoubtedly can't do much for them, I have my own issues some what in that department of escaping. And yeah at times when I felt too stressed out- I would ignore people, and keep walking on (sometimes I have bad thoughts with strangers).

It is hard, and i think just little steps may help-- and ya know Likewater just by you talking to this man, just talking- does good as well- but you need to be careful as well, I just need to put that there too--- Many hugs to you- and you have a big heart