In life, we all encounter difficult times and challenging periods. During those moments, the love and support of those around us become essential in helping us get back on our feet. This is especially true for the brave souls who selflessly serve their country, asking for no reward in return.
Unfortunately, many veterans find themselves struggling upon returning from duty. In some cases, the benefits they receive may not be sufficient to sustain them, leaving them uncertain about their next steps as they transition back to civilian life.
Larry Robeson, a Vietnam veteran, knew these struggles all too well. Reports indicate that Larry, who could barely afford basic necessities, found himself in a difficult situation with no clear path forward.
Fate had other plans for Larry when he crossed paths with the Fox 5 Surprise Squad at a grocery store in Las Vegas. The Surprise Squad was there to cover people’s grocery bills, and they approached Larry when they noticed him in the store.
Despite his financial difficulties, Larry had taken his friend Stephanie, a disabled fellow veteran, to the store. Stephanie shared that she was buying food for herself and her dogs but was down to her last $50, unsure of what to do next.
Dave Hall, the reporter leading the Surprise Squad, offered to cover Stephanie’s groceries, bringing relief and gratitude to her. But Dave also noticed Larry standing quietly behind Stephanie.
It turned out that Larry, a friend of Stephanie’s husband, had established the Bones for Blankets club many years earlier. The club’s mission was to donate blankets to homeless veterans who found themselves on the streets after their service to their country.
Larry’s motivation for starting the club was heart-wrenching; he wanted to prevent more veterans from suffering the same fate as three comrades who had tragically frozen to death. The club’s actions aimed to ensure that no more veterans would face such dire circumstances.
Larry explained that Stephanie’s husband was often away as a truck driver, and he offered her companionship and support, especially considering the challenges she faced due to her disability.
Dave Hall, deeply moved by Larry’s story and his commitment to helping fellow veterans, was determined that Larry wouldn’t leave the store without the Surprise Squad team paying for his groceries.
Although Larry had only intended to purchase dish soap and candy, Dave insisted, “You served us. It’s our turn to serve you now.”
Larry was given the opportunity to go around the store and select whatever he needed. The total bill came to $278, and Larry wiped tears from his eyes as Dave and the team settled it.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected act of kindness, Larry shared, “This is just like overwhelming. I’ve been taking care of myself since I was 13.”
Larry’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the support and care we provide to those who have sacrificed for their country can make a significant difference in their lives, especially during challenging times.
Man has been saving up pennies for 45 years – Bank tellers are at a loss for words when he arrives to cash in
“Penny saved is a penny earned” is a saying that people who are good at managing their finances believe to be true.
Otha Anders, a former teacher from Louisiana, had been collecting pennies for a very long time. It all started as a goal of collecting pennies he would find on the street, and it soon turned into a passion he couldn’t say no to. Over the course of 45 years, this man had managed to fill in 15 5-gallon jugs of change before he finally decided to cash the pennies in 2015 when his homeowner’s insurance stopped covering the collection.
Speaking of his achievement which left the clerks at the bank totally stunned, Anders told ABC News: “If I would see a penny when I’m gassing up, on the ground, or in a store, it would be a reminder to stop right there and say a prayer. I never failed to do that. That’s why they had so much value to me.
“I would never spend a penny,” he told USA Today. “I would break a dollar before giving up a penny.
“I wanted to fill five five-gallon water jugs. That was the goal, but I couldn’t stop. … If I hadn’t turned them in yesterday, I was not going to stop,” he said.
Everyone who knows Anders knew of his passion and his collection. Even the kids at the school where he worked. He would sometimes buy pennies from them, but he would never take, not even a single one, without paying for it.
“I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated,” he told USA Today. “I wanted the inner satisfaction that God and I acquired this collection.”
When he arrived at the Ruston Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, the staff welcomed him in and were more than happy to assist him. For his stunning collection of pennies, Anders got $5,136.14.
Take a look at the video below to learn more about Anders and his collection.
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