It is abhorrent to me that anyone who has ever worn the uniform of the U.S. Military would find themselves homeless. No one who has given the blank check of service to the country should ever be forced to seek shelter or sleep on subway grates. Much has been made of this issue by politicians and the media, but not much has been done to address it. Gathering of Eagles here in Philadelphia decided that it was past time to address it, so we have partnered with a local ministry to do something about it.
For several months now, GoE and the Broad St Ministry have worked together to identify homeless vets and get them back in from the cold, literally. Two weeks ago Chapter G of the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club delivered a truck load of clothes, from socks and underwear to coats and boots to the ministry specifically to help our brother and sister veterans. The clothing was collected by the National Honor Society Students of Council Rock North High School in Newtown, PA and the local chapter of Stand Down. Within minutes of our arrival the clothing had been distributed to the vets in attendance. It did not change their housing situation, but it is a step in the right direction.
Yesterday, active duty soldiers from the Army Experience Center, from the Captain and 1st Sgt down to civilian employees arrived with dozens of blankets to help the cause. The soldiers then mustered up in good military fashion and served lunch to everyone in attendance. It was beyond moving to see veterans of many eras laughing with the soldiers over shared experiences. For a couple of hours we could all forget that some of brothers and sisters would have to find a place to sleep again last night. Thanks to the A.E.C. for the assist. They have committed to monthly visits and will bring a portable printer, laptop and airport in a few weeks to print out DD-214s on the spot, so we can get these veterans who are down on their luck whatever benefits they deserve.
Al Gambone, O.I.F. veteran and attorney has volunteered his services, both as a lawyer and a Veteran's Administration accredited service officer to help keep this initiative moving forward. Medical professionals have also stepped up and will be providing on-site services in the near future. The daughter of a WWII veteran has also stepped up and offered a house here in Philadelphia to house some of these veterans. Al Gambone is handling all the legal issues involved in that. It will not be up and running for a number of months yet, and it will only be 10 beds or so, but it is a start and it is decidedly better than nothing. Once it is running it will be named in honor of Cpl. Michael Crescenz, Philadelphia's only Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War. Some of you may remember that GoE spear-headed the effort to get Mike from Doylestown home to Arlington a couple years back. No greater honor can be afforded him than to affix his name to a GoE initiative that helps veterans who need it most.
None of this is complete and it will take much more hard work to eradicate the problem of homeless veterans here in Philadelphia. We fully intend though to continue tirelessly until we do and then, hopefully expand the program nationwide. There have been many veterans and supporters who have helped out in a number of ways. There are too many to effectively thank here, but know that somewhere a homeless veteran's life is better because of you all and I am eternally grateful. My regiment's motto is Keep Up the Fire, and that we will do. One person can change the world and working together the veteran's community is unstoppable. Thanks to you all and Merry Christmas. Manchu.
