A Helping Hand: V2A Steps Up for Blind Vet
Discover Raymond's story, a 72-year-old blind Vietnam-era veteran whose life was uplifted by the compassionate support of Veterans Villages of America. This account highlights our unwavering dedication to providing care and hope to veterans, showcasing how a simple act of kindness can profoundly impact their lives.
Case, my son, alongside COL Ross, on their way to deliver food and supplies to Raymond, exemplifying the spirit of service and care at Veterans Villages of America.
The Power of Empathy: Raymond's Emotional Response
“Help is on the way. God bless you. It’s going to get better. You deserve better.”
With these reassuring words, I concluded a deeply touching exchange with Raymond, a 72-year-old blind Vietnam-era veteran living alone in Little Rock. I called him a few minutes after receiving a heartfelt call to action from a VA social worker, setting the wheels in motion for a rewarding evening. Raymond's story is not just about overcoming challenges; it's a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication of the small but determined team at Veterans Villages of America (V2A) and their dedicated leader, retired COL Mike Ross, who are committed to enriching the lives of veterans through compassionate support and advocacy.
Raymond's emotional response at the end of our phone call deeply resonated with the core mission of V2A. As we concluded our conversation, his voice wavered with gratitude, his words, “Thank you,” barely whispered through an effort to hold back tears. That moment nearly brought me to tears``, serving as a powerful testament to empathy and action's profound impact. It was clear that Raymond was touched, not just by the offer of food, but by the simple act of being heard and cared for. Our interaction went beyond just meeting a physical need; it was about giving him the gift of time and attention, showing compassion, and acknowledging his worth. This encounter reinforced our unwavering commitment to veterans like Raymond, who have selflessly served yet ask for so little in return.
A Life of Service: Raymond's Background
After his service in the U.S. Army, Raymond embarked on a 26-year journey as a mental health worker with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. During this time, he received recognition from the LAPD Chief of Police for his exemplary work. In our conversation, Raymond opened up about his efforts to assist those grappling with mental illness. His insights revealed a deep understanding of their internal battles and an innate empathy for those marginalized and isolated by society. His role inevitably exposed him to a range of harrowing, tragic, and unsettling human experiences.
Reflecting on this, COL Ross often remarks, “Any veteran who entered a combat zone overseas has PTSD, and if they say they don't, then they are lying to themselves.” This leads us to believe that Raymond likely battles the unseen scars of PTSD himself. His unwavering commitment to roles that required immense physical and emotional fortitude highlights a true hero's extraordinary resilience and enduring spirit.
Resilience in the Dark: Raymond's Journey Beyond Blindness
In 2000, Raymond's life took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with glaucoma, leading to blindness. Yet, in true soldier spirit, he refused to surrender to his circumstances. He chose to endure and adapt, embodying the resilience ingrained in him through his military training. Seeking a new beginning, Raymond relocated from California to Little Rock to attend World Services for the Blind, a crucial step on his path to independent living.
However, as the years passed, Raymond's health issues multiplied, diminishing his quality of life and heightening his dependence on external assistance for essential daily tasks. Today, Raymond contends with more than just blindness and solitude; he battles debilitating back and knee pain, making even simple tasks like preparing food a herculean effort and deepening his sense of isolation. Despite these struggles, Raymond's sense of humor remains intact. He shared with me, half-jokingly, “Now that I’m a 72-year-old blind man with a bad back and knee, if I make a mess and try to clean it up, it just becomes a bigger mess.” This comment, laced with humor, belies the profound challenges he faces every day.
Raymond's days are more than just a wait for food; they are a struggle for basic sustenance and care. Although he receives meals from the VA through Meals on Wheels most weeks, he often finds himself low on supplies between deliveries and without anyone to assist in meal preparation. Raymond explained, "I’m not saying I need more. I just need help to survive," which poignantly captures his situation. Overcoming physical challenges and loneliness is only compounded by his believing that others consider him a burden, a discouraging feeling that seems to weigh heavily on him.
Raymond's daily life transcends the mere anticipation of his next meal; it is a continual battle for basic sustenance and care. While he receives meals from the VA via Meals on Wheels most weeks, the gap between deliveries often leaves him with dwindling supplies and no assistance for meal preparation. His own words concisely yet powerfully reflect his plight: "I’m not saying I need more. I just need help to survive." This statement poignantly encapsulates the essence of his struggle.
Compounding his physical hardships and solitude is the disheartening belief that those around him view him as a burden. This perception adds an emotional toll to his already challenging existence, casting a shadow of discouragement over his resilient spirit.
The Healthcare Maze: Raymond's Fight for Adequate Care
Raymond's reliance on the home health care agency for essential support, such as meal preparation, is met with inconsistent and often unavailable assistance. This lack of reliable help frequently leaves him feeling like he's perceived more as a nuisance than a person in genuine need. He experiences a profound sense of being overlooked and marginalized. Raymond shared his feelings with a heavy heart, saying, “I think it’s overwhelming for them to have someone like me around. I’m not trying to ask for more than I need. There are treatments that could improve my health, which I've been denied access to. But it feels like my attempts to seek these opportunities lead to people thinking, “Oh boy. It’s Ray again.”
A Moment of Connection: The Power of Empathy
It was heart-wrenching to realize that someone who dedicated his life to serving our country and aiding others in his role as a mental health worker in law enforcement now feels like an inconvenience. This situation highlights a stark reality: our systems, often burdened by understaffing and limited resources, can inadvertently dehumanize those they aim to serve. Facing these systemic challenges, it becomes clear how individuals like Raymond can feel reduced to mere entries on a care sheet. Struggling for words, I searched for a way to assure him that he is and always will be, more than just another name in a file.
This conversation with Raymond brought to light an unsettling truth: our veterans are often treated as mere numbers or cases to be managed rather than individuals with unique stories and needs. It only strengthened my determination to ensure our efforts at V2A go beyond mere assistance. We strive to recognize the person in each plea for help, to listen with empathy, and to act with the dignity and respect that all veterans rightfully deserve.
Bringing Hope: Our Visit to Raymond
Raymond's sense of isolation is palpable, with his nearest relative living five hours away. Yet, amidst this solitude, his resilience is unmistakable. The occasional interactions with empathetic individuals like Leon Flowers, a VA social worker, remind Raymond he is not forgotten. Flowers' cariable spirit. The concern and attention from someone like Flowers can be enough to replenish Raymond's resolve and maintain his 'can't keep me down' attitude.
The call from Leon Flowers was more than just a routine check-in; it was a vivid reminder of the daily challenges many veterans contend with. His authentic concern for Raymond's well-being sparked our involvement, serving as a poignant example of the difference genuine compassion can make. Raymond is contemplating a significant change: joining a veterans’ medical foster family home through the VA. This relatively unknown program offers a unique solution for veterans with severe disabilities, providing them with the care and community they often desperately need.
Raymond's Story: A Reflection of Veteran Challenges
As I spoke with Raymond, his demeanor and the depth of his gaze spoke volumes. They unveiled a man who continues to embody the bravery, care, and heroism that have always defined him. The strength and compassion shining through his eyes offered a window into a soul that remains unyieldingly courageous despite life's relentless challenges. This American hero has devoted himself to serving others in so many ways and has indeed paid his dues. Yet, he now faces a different kind of battle – one for consistent home health care and respect in his medical treatment. Raymond's frustration is palpable when he discusses feeling marginalized and labeled as a troublemaker by his doctors, especially when advocating for alternative approaches to his own healthcare needs.
The depth of Raymond's frustration with the VA healthcare system became more apparent as he discussed his pursuit to improve the condition and pain levels in his bad knee. His health issues present significant daily challenges, adding layers of complexity to his life. In a candid admission, he shared that he felt mistreated and rejected by the VA healthcare system, specifically by his primary care physician.
The doctor's refusal to perform much-needed knee replacement surgery, solely because Raymond is a smoker, has left him feeling disregarded. For Raymond, a 72-year-old who has smoked for six decades, quitting has proven to be an insurmountable challenge despite numerous attempts. To him, the possibility of a slower healing process seems a minor risk compared to the prospect of escaping relentless, debilitating pain without having to depend solely on pain medication for relief.
Raymond's voice took on a higher pitch, tinged with agitation, as he recounted his experiences with the VA healthcare system, particularly regarding a promising alternative treatment he had discovered. He was very excited to learn about a low-power laser treatment at UAMS in Little Rock, which promises faster healing than traditional surgery. However, his enthusiasm was met with a disheartening obstacle: his VA primary care physician's steadfast refusal to refer him for this treatment. Raymond confided that he feels very unwanted and unliked due to his attempts to voice an opinion about his healthcare. He felt dismissed and annoyed by the medical staff, particularly when he asked questions or suggested alternatives. "It's like they get irritated with me for trying to have a say in my healthcare," he said, underscoring his need for a supportive advocate to navigate these complex medical decisions and rigid healthcare system.
Raymond’s story is more than a narrative of a struggling veteran; it's a mirror reflecting the often-overlooked challenges faced by those who've served our nation. While he does benefit from programs like Meals on Wheels and is contemplating participation in the VA's veterans medical foster family home program, Raymond's situation remains fraught with uncertainty. His ongoing battle with chronic health conditions, intertwined with the complicating factor of his long-term smoking habit, severely hampers his ability to access the comprehensive healthcare and support he desperately needs.
Conclusion: Joining Forces for Our Veterans
As we wrapped up our 20-minute conversation, I assured Raymond that we would bring him plenty of food, and he started choking up. With tears in his voice, he said, “I thank you. Just for the words you are saying, I do thank you.” His reaction not only touched my heart but also served as a much-needed reminder of my own purpose. On that day, feeling defeated and overwhelmed, Raymond's appreciation rekindled a realization within me. He reminded me that sometimes, a simple 20-minute phone call can make a significant difference in someone's life. This interaction reaffirmed my belief in my ability to bring positivity to others, a belief I had started to doubt. In a beautiful twist of fate, in expressing his gratitude, Raymond had also unknowingly uplifted me.
That encounter with Raymond was a God-sent affirmation, a steadfast beacon amidst the stress and challenges that often cloud our mission. In our commitment to serving veterans like Raymond, we encounter more than the weariness of burnout; we also face the disheartening 'burns' from less appreciative interactions. Yet, in moments like these, where sincere gratitude shines through a simple conversation, our spirits are uplifted and renewed. This divine rejuvenation is crucial, mainly when our empathetic resolve is tested beyond measure. Such instances are firm reminders of our mission's higher purpose, rekindling the God-given passion that drives us to persevere and continue making a difference.
A few hours after our conversation, my 12-year-old son, Case, and I joined by COL Ross, arrived at Raymond's doorstep with more than just a box. We brought him essentials like food, laundry detergent, and paper towels, but most importantly, we brought hope. Raymond's eyes welled up with gratitude, and hearing the emotion in his voice as he thanked us deeply touched our hearts. Such moments bring into sharp focus the real essence of our work. It goes far beyond mere physical assistance; it's about honoring their sacrifices, providing companionship, and reigniting a spark of hope in their lives. Standing there with Raymond, we were reminded of the profound humility that comes from serving those who have given so much.
Raymond's story resonates as a powerful call to action. It underscores the continuous needs of our veterans and highlights the critical role of community involvement in meeting those needs. As we forge ahead in our mission to assist veterans like Raymond, we invite you to join us in this noble endeavor. Your contribution and support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure that our veterans are treated with the respect, care, and support they rightfully deserve. Let us stand as their advocates, lend them our voices, and offer them strength.
To Raymond and all veterans, know this: you are seen, heard, and never alone. We are here with you, for you.
“You deserve better. Help is on the way.”
Be a part of our commitment to honor and assist our nation's veterans. Your generosity enables us to offer essential services and support, making a real difference in the everyday lives of those who have served. Let's stand together in this effort to provide care and recognition to our heroes. Donate now and be a part of this vital cause.
Disclaimer: Our blog focuses on representing veterans by sharing their stories. Please note that these are personal accounts and may not include comments from all sides, as our role is not to seek out or present opposing viewpoints.
