After my random act where I passed out free Wendy's to college students, I still had some money left on the card that my friend James had given to me. To be honest, I had completely forgotten that I hadn't used all the money on it until today. I have given up eating fast food for the sake of my pants size, so to not have it seduce me into a Baconator, I felt like I had to get the card out of my possession ASAP. I was stopped at a light when a man held a sign that he was a veteran in need. He came up to me with his cup and asked if I had anything at all so that he could just get a warm meal. I rolled down my window, thanked the man for his service, and said I had something that could provide him with more than just one warm meal. So today, for my random act of kindness, I gave a Wendy's gift card with nearly $50 on it to a homeless veteran. When I told him how much was on it he said "Wait, fifty....like FIVE ZERO!?!" He told me that it was too much, so I asked him if he would share it with others if he wanted to. The conversation ended abruptly there because the person behind me started honking. Before I go, I want to link to an organization that is trying to help curb the incidence of homelessness among veterans. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is working hard to provide housing, food, health services and many other programs for our heroes that have fallen on hard times since returning from battle. It is astonishing to think that 25% of the homeless in the United States have risked their lives for everyone just to return home to nothing. That is something that should change, and I will be sure to dedicate a future random act towards it.
This just broke my heart a little.
ReplyDeleteComing from a family that has sent and is still sending a lot of amazing people into the military, I can't even imagine my brother or cousin or anyone coming home and being without. This was an amazing act of kindness and it's even better that you asked him to pay it forward. So inspirational!
That was a wonderful thing to do for the vet. What a great way to thank him.
ReplyDeleteHe must be an amazing guy since he told you that $50 was too much to take. Always the soldier I guess even though he is homeless.
It's very sad when you hear about vets struggling. They don't deserve to be homeless because they do so much to serve & protect all of us.
This is one of the best random acts. Keep up the wonderful job, Ryan.
thats a shocking figure for the such a powerful nation...good work sir...you provide the hope for humanity
ReplyDeleteMay you find even more strength to serve with a smile! It is commendable how you have committed yourself to such acts of kindness, day after day.
ReplyDeleteYou are inspiring in your deeds so are you in your intentions.
All the very best!
Firstly, I'd like to say that I was homeless about a decade ago and what you did for him is something he'll remember for the rest of his life. Secondly, I'd like to express how incredibly ecstatic I am I came across this page. This is the kind of stuff the news should be focusing on. What a gift you are.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links too...so awesome.
Heart warming. Faith in humanity = Restored. :)
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