Step up to help a veteran in need

A couple of weeks ago I went to my bank and the teller asked me if I had my umbrella coupon as it was customer appreciation week. I told him no and I got a pen. I sat down to complete another transaction and in came a veteran.

He was asked if he had his umbrella coupon and when he said no, got the pen. I offered to turn in my pen in hopes of getting him an umbrella.

It didn’t work and we both left together. I saw he didn’t have a car and I offered a ride. I took him to the drugstore and he came out with some food and medicine.

While he was in the store I made up a bag of food for him that I was going to take to the food pantry. When he came out I introduced myself and he told me his name was Bill. He had served in the Navy in the Second World War but could no longer drive.

I took him home and gave him my number and told him if he ever needed a ride to call. He called me tonight and said he was helping a friend who was taken to the hospital and that he needed a ride home. I told him I would be right over. I grabbed some of my wife’s fresh brownies and some fruit.

I took him home and told him my promise to pick him up was still good. He told me that a couple of weeks ago he came home to find an umbrella leaning up against his door. I told him I had called the bank, talked to the president and he promised Bill would get an umbrella.

Our country has never had more men and women who need our help. The next time you see a veteran remember that people like Bill are still out serving our country and helping others. The least we can do is to help these brave men and women who answered our country’s call.

God Bless Bill and God Bless America.

Mike Victor

Schaumburg