A New Beginning: Avant's Journey with V2A
Explore the transformative journey of Army National Guard veteran Avant Powel as Veterans Villages of America (V2A) helps him overcome personal adversity. This story of resilience and community support highlights V2A's pivotal role in aiding veterans in their most challenging times.
In this photo from left to right: Avant, myself (Chandi), and COL Ross. Captured during a late evening food run, Avant had been with V2A for a couple of weeks. His contagious smile reflects the spirit of our mission as we worked together to assist a fellow veteran in need.
The Mission: A Beacon of Hope
Today, I want to share a story close to my heart: a tale of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication. It's a story that revolves around the heroes we often overlook – our veterans – and the incredible work of the non-profit organization I am fortunate to be a part of.
In a world filled with stories of bravery and heroism, the narratives of our veterans often remain unsung. These men and women have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and serve our country, yet their struggles and sacrifices often go unnoticed. This injustice drew me into the world of veteran advocacy, almost by happenstance, igniting a sincere commitment to the cause.
Our non-profit organization is more than just a cause; it's a beacon of hope for veterans who need our support. We work tirelessly to ensure these heroes receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. Our mission is simple but profound: to stand beside veterans in their journey toward a better life after service.
A Tale of Hope and Redemption: Avant’s Journey with Veterans Villages of America
We live in a bustling world where stories of compassion, resilience, and second chances often go unnoticed. Today, I want to introduce you to a remarkable story of a young veteran, SP4 Avant Powel, Army National Guard, whose life was at its darkest point when a cry for help brought him to Veterans Villages of America (V2A). This story embodies the true essence of V2A's mission and the indomitable spirit of veterans helping veterans.
The Descent into Darkness
Avant, a 22-year-old Army National Guard member, found himself at a crossroads after the tragic loss of his mother. Grief consumed him, leading to a battle with depression that threatened to swallow him whole. The weight of his emotions led him to a dark place, and he stopped attending his guard drills, which put him at risk for being discharged.
His situation grew increasingly dire when he lost his job at Amazon, compounding his challenges. The weight of it all left him in deep despair, where thoughts of suicide became a daily struggle.
A Beacon of Hope: SSG Polinsky’s Determination
During his crisis, Avant reached out to a fellow soldier he served with during basic training, SSG Sarah Polinski, U.S. Army. She and Avant have remained friends over the years, so she knows him well, and she recognized the gravity of Avant's situation and knew immediate action was needed. Desperate to find help for her friend, she contacted numerous federal and state agencies and veteran advocacy groups but received no assistance until someone gave her V2A’s contact information.
Sarah's determination was evident in the heartfelt message she sent to V2A's email:
"Good evening, I'm SSG Sarah Polinski, U.S. Army, currently stationed at Fort Meade, MD. A soldier from basic training, Avant Powell, desperately needs assistance. He served in the Arkansas National Guard and is now a veteran. His mother died last year, and he recently made arrangements financially, socially, and emotionally to die by suicide. I contacted multiple veterans’ organizations, but because Avant was not immediately in danger that day, they couldn't intervene. I contacted VA Central Arkansas health care suicide prevention coordinators, but because Avant doesn't qualify for VA benefits, they could not assist.
He has no family, received an eviction notice last week, had his power shut off, and lost his last $4,000 in savings to an IRS scammer. Despite all this, he's still alive and hopes to regain employment with Amazon. My husband and I have given hundreds of dollars in assistance over the past several weeks to help him get back on his feet. We've delivered groceries and meals, paid his electricity bill, and paid for gas so he can get to work. But we need boots on the ground in Arkansas. He's in his 20s, and he's just a kid. Can you please help?"
I’m the public relations and social media director at V2A and help COL Ross by checking our incoming emails. I saw Sarah’s message and promptly alerted COL Ross. A man of action, COL heard and answered Sarah's call for help with unwavering determination.
COL Ross explains, "When we receive a notification, we activate our crisis action plan, a coordinated effort involving our volunteers, external organizations, and federal and state agencies we trust to provide immediate assistance to veterans in need. This collaborative approach combines the resources of V2A staff and volunteers, alongside established federal and state organizations, to ensure immediate support for those we serve."
Sarah’s heartfelt plea set the wheels in motion for a life-changing journey for Avant.
The V2A Response: A Lifeline for Avant
COL Ross wasted no time when he learned of Avant's situation. His first action was to extend a heartfelt invitation to Avant to come to V2A for shelter, food, and support, but Avant faced a significant transportation challenge on the day he was supposed to arrive. He didn’t want to tell us and feared we wouldn’t believe that his tires had become so unsafe that driving on them was dangerous, so he stayed in his car for a night in Hot Springs.
With Avant's absence, COL’s concern deepened. He contacted Sarah and said, "I still have not heard from him. Can you send me his number?" Sarah explained the situation, saying, "He’s still in Hot Springs because he has no transportation home to Little Rock. His tires aren’t safe to drive on, and he needs new ones. The tires suggested by the tire company he contacted are exorbitant, priced at $318 per tire."
Avant couldn’t afford new tires and didn’t know where to turn.
His unforeseen tire trouble underscored the host of challenges Avant was grappling with. Despite these obstacles, COL Ross and the V2A team remained steadfast in their commitment to providing the assistance Avant needed to surmount these difficulties and rebuild his life. COL swiftly coordinated a plan with V2A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) John Voss to have Avant picked up in Hot Springs and brought to the Little Rock V2A campus. John was already committed to veteran-related service that day but wasted no time calling his brother for a favor. His brother didn’t hesitate to answer the call, and Avant finally made it to Little Rock, where he was welcomed with open arms.
One evening at V2A, with tears welling in his eyes, Avant opened up to us, tenderly describing the deep bond he shared with his mother and the overwhelming pain he felt when he lost her. His mother had always been his rock and anchor in life. His father, absent for most of his years, had only reentered his life a few years prior, and their reunion was short-lived as his father passed away just a year after reconnecting with Avant. During his high school years, Avant's world was further tested when his mother developed kidney disease due to complications from pregnancy. Several afternoons each week, he dedicated his time to taking his beloved mother to dialysis treatments. Their bond was unbreakable, and they relied on each other for everything. The sudden loss of his mother left Avant in a state of shock. With his father already gone, he found himself utterly alone, without any remaining family to turn to.
Watch this touching video featuring a genuine conversation between Avant and me as we plan his future. Hear Avant discuss his educational goals and challenges during his break from Guard duty, showcasing his resolve to overcome and succeed.
A New Beginning: Avant's Journey with V2A
At the V2A campus, Avant found more than shelter and food; he found a lifeline and a second chance at life. One problem was taken on at a time. One solution was found at a time.
COL Ross called senior enlisted leadership at the Arkansas Army National Guard and told them about Avant’s situation. He expressed that he believed Avant was a great kid who deserved a second chance. He asked that Avant be welcomed back into the Guard and placed in good standing. They assured COL they would, and they did, and Avant is loving it.
Another veteran, Jimianne Barnes, who had experienced the invaluable support of V2A last year, became aware of Avant's situation shortly after his arrival at V2A. In a generous gesture, she gifted him the tires he needed, a crucial step as he worked towards regaining employment.
Avant spent several weeks working closely with John on various tasks, assisting fellow veterans and contributing to V2A's initiatives. He actively participated in food deliveries, furniture relocation, lawn maintenance at the V2A facility, and more. With John's support, Avant has been making positive strides in regaining his previous employment with Amazon. His prospects with the company look promising, and he has regained confidence, a sense of belonging, and hope for a brighter future.
VSO John Voss and SP4 Avant Powel, Army National Guard, generously donating their time to support a fellow veteran's cause. A powerful display of solidarity and service beyond the uniform.
But the story doesn't end there. John and his wife, without reservation, invited Avant to live with them. What started as a simple act of kindness became a beautiful display of humanity transcending color and background. Avant, a young Black man, found a home and family with John and his wife, who are both white. This heartwarming connection is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the genuine camaraderie that exists among veterans.
Captured on July 4, 2023, this heartwarming moment celebrates Avant's first holiday with his new family, the Vosses. A milestone in his journey of hope and healing.
When VSO John Voss was asked about his experience with Avant, he said, “Having Avant come live with us has been a blessing to our family. As a family, we all have the opportunity to positively impact a young man's life who has gone through a very tough time. He is now a full member of our family!”
Conclusion: A Journey of Hope
Throughout life's journey, we often encounter individuals who inspire us and remind us of the power of resilience and the importance of standing together. Our veterans are these individuals, and our non-profit organization is the vehicle through which we can show them the appreciation and support they so rightly deserve.
Support our mission to uplift and assist veterans in need. Your contributions are crucial in providing necessary resources and support, helping to ensure that every veteran has access to the care and assistance they deserve. With your help, we can continue to create a network of support and gratitude for those who have bravely served. Click here to make your impactful donation today.
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.
