‘I answered the phone’

Unusual as I often do not answer calls from private or unknown people. I wait to see if they leave me a message. This time I answered the phone — and I’m so glad I did!

On the line was a lady that sounded quite desperate. It turns out she lived in the Twin Cities, and her mother lives in Arizona. Her disabled Vietnam veteran dad was in need of help. Unfortunately, the family was not getting much support through official channels.

I ended up on a conference call with the daughter and ex-wife. The veteran had to move into an apartment in our area. They could not find any help, and they needed to find furniture for him.

I’m proud to say Spicer Post 545 stood up!

We picked up furniture the family purchased from a Habitat for Humanity Restore, stopped at my favorite furniture store and the manager gave me a big discount for a bed and mattress, and arranged with American Legion members to help deliver and set up the gathered items.

I’m proud to say our post purchased and donated the bed and mattress. (It’s very hard to find used beds and mattresses!)

The veteran was very grateful for what we did for him. He became a member of our post!

After all was said and done, I received this message from the daughter:

“Dear Commander Chip and American Legion Volunteers,

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your time, assistance and all your efforts you spent helping our disabled Vietnam veteran father on Sept. 20 did not go unnoticed. You went above and beyond in organizing volunteers to assist our dad to get settled in. We had checked other resources within the Kandihoyi County for the veterans in the area but had doors closed in our face.

“With your broad knowledge, Chip, you helped us with locating him items, giving our dad the sense of being home. Your help and assistance were so heartfelt and overwhelming because of our dad’s situation. You and your team stepped forward to support another veteran in need. When we had no idea where to turn, you took us under your wing. Forever will we be so grateful and thankful throughout this process.

“Since dad has taken over being a new renter, and one thing we didn’t share with you was that prior to you guys arriving, our father was sleeping on the floor. We have finally had a chance to see if he is all settled into his new place and he is so happy and restful. It’s the happiest we have seen him in a long time. This brings tears to our eyes because his exact words were, “ this is the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.” Commander Chip and your team, it is literally all because you guys took time out of your busy schedule to help out another brother in need. We are so glad we decided to make the call to you last week because without any of this, none of this would have been possible. Our father would have not been one to have reached out because of his pride. But we are so glad we reached out for him because we feel as if he has met some very awesome people that can be lifelong friends.

“With miles separating each of us, we were not able to be there in person, together we made this journey happen. Someday our wish is to thank you face to face as you have really touched our hearts.”