Sometimes, we don’t need to know every detail to know that a veteran needs help. We simply need to be there.

This morning, Veterans’ Outreach received a call from an older veteran who had been referred to us by someone at the VA. He explained that his wife is chronically ill and that he cannot leave her alone for very long. His concern was that they were afraid they would run out of food before the end of the month.

Unfortunately, the phone connection became poor, and we could only hear bits and pieces of what he was saying. We weren’t able to get all of the details, but we knew there was something we could do immediately.

We told him that if he could make it to our office that day, we would provide him with whatever food we had available and make an appointment to connect him with additional support.

About a half hour later, Cindy called to let us know that the veteran was downstairs and wanted to meet the person he had spoken with on the phone.

When we went downstairs, he was standing at the pantry window with his young grandson. The look on his face said everything. He was amazed that help was available when he needed it.

We introduced ourselves, and he thanked us. As we talked for a few minutes, tears streamed down his face. He shared that he had never been in a situation like this before and was incredibly grateful for the assistance.

We also told him about the VO Depot and the many resources and services Veterans’ Outreach provides to veterans and their families.

It was a simple interaction, but it was a powerful reminder of why Veterans’ Outreach exists.

Sometimes, helping a veteran means providing food for a family that is struggling to make it through the month. Sometimes it means connecting a veteran with additional resources. And sometimes, it simply means being there to listen and letting someone know they don’t have to face a difficult season alone.

We are grateful that Veterans’ Outreach was there for this veteran when he needed us and grateful for the opportunity to remind him that his service has not been forgotten.

This is what serving those who served looks like.