Vehicle Donated to (formerly) Homeless Veteran; Lehigh Valley, PA

Cpl Anthony Pearson — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:16:58 -0500

It really is amazing how interconnected we all are. I'm someone who pretty much believes that things happen for a reason.

I had the incredible pleasure of finding a veteran who could benefit from a free (donated) vehicle. How incredible is that?? VERY, that is how much.

My friend, Ellen, who I met and worked with for awhile at PPL Corporation, asked if I could help out with identifying a veteran in need of a vehicle. Of course, I said yes. Ellen connected me with someone whose father, a war veteran, was under hospice care and one of his wishes was to donate his 2009 Buick La Crosse to a veteran.

I put the call out to my social networks, both on Facebook, LinkedIn, and also through word of mouth. Within minutes, I received a message from David Rider, a strong supporter of veterans and a very active member of the Warrior Watch Riders. David informed me that he has been volunteering for the Valor Clinic and spends time helping out at the Jonas House (now named Paul's House), which has been converted and renovated into a home for homeless veterans.

David knew of a veteran who was homeless for some time, and enrolled in the program offered by Valor Clinic to get off the streets and to change his life around. This veteran worked hard, got a job, and helps fellow homeless veterans who are also looking to make a change in their lives. He has a great attitude, remains humble, and goes above and beyond to "pay it forward".

This person sounded like a great candidate to me, and I was eager to notify the family who was donating the car. When I gave them the details, they agreed that he should have the car. He could use it to get back and forth to work, to visit Paul's House (formerly Jonas House), and to help others whenever possible.

David Rider and Mark Baylis (Founder/President of Valor Clinic, and the owner of Paul's House) let Mr. Jones know that they had a surprise for him.
Last Friday, at 1100, they all showed up at a title transfer company in Bethlehem, PA, met the family, and informed Mr. Jones of the gift that was being given to him for all of his hard work, sacrifices, successes, and his commitment to helping others in need.

We often hear horrible news every day. There is no shortage of it, sadly. It makes me feel great to be able to share this story with you, because it IS good. It is beautiful.

The family is beautiful. The older war veteran, being cared for by hospice, wanting to help a fellow veteran... is beautiful.

The Valor Clinic and ALL OF THEIR HARD WORK and LOVE AND PASSION towards helping veteran homelessness in our region, is BEAUTIFUL.

David Rider, and everyone else in the Warrior Watch Riders, as well as those who volunteer to help the Valor Clinic and many other charities, are equally beautiful people.

My friend, Ellen, is also so very beautiful and kind and wonderful. She is so great at connecting dots and seeing how interconnected we all are. It is one of her gifts.

So many guardian angels. So many people doing good. It is inspiring, I think.
Well, I blabbed on and on and will end this here. I attached photos of Mr. Jones (middle), as well as Mr. Newhart (left) and his sister (right).

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 16 at 2015 10:19 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:19:29 -0500

Thanks for sharing a good-news just in time for Christmas story Cpl Anthony Pearson
Hopefully the vehicle is in good running condition with a good heater and the veteran has a valid drivers license and funds for gas and maintenance.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 1:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 13:24:19 -0500

This story is just what I needed today! I wish we all would do something for the less fortunate, elderly or disabled. You are a good man and Marine! HOOAH and Semper Fi !!!!