Like many of us, I check craigslist several times a day looking for that awesome bike that is out there waiting for me. Yesterday while checking the bicycle listing I spot an ad titled "Help". Thinking it is someone looking for a stole bike or a mother in need of a Christmas present for a youngster, I open it up. It is a homeless veteran in need of a bike for transportation so he can find a job. I reply back through text, since he doesn't have regular access to a computer, and tell him about an older Huffy Blades MTB that I have. I have been sitting on the bike for a couple months trying to flip it for a couple bucks. He was happy someone responded and we set up a time today to meet up. After I got home from work last nighti hit the garage and threw on a front and rear rack I had lying around, stole the headlight from my wife's bike (don't tell her), and a handlebar bag. I grabbed a patch kit and a multi-tool and tossed them in the bag. And for a little security I took an old bike chain and ran it through an old innertube, then used a padlock to secure the two ends.
Today I loaded the bike up and drove the thirty-some miles to deliver it. The first thing he asked me is why I would go to all the trouble to help him out. I told him of my love of bikes and how I appreciated his service to our country. He was a 12 year vet, he served in the gulf war and life's circumstances led him to where he is today. After spending a few minutes chatting I had to leave to get to work. He took his new bike and headed back to the shelter where he is staying.
While it made me thankful for all that I have, it really saddened me that the words "homeless" and "veteran" together have become so common in today's society that many of us don't see the true sacrifice these men and women made to help keep us free.
Today I loaded the bike up and drove the thirty-some miles to deliver it. The first thing he asked me is why I would go to all the trouble to help him out. I told him of my love of bikes and how I appreciated his service to our country. He was a 12 year vet, he served in the gulf war and life's circumstances led him to where he is today. After spending a few minutes chatting I had to leave to get to work. He took his new bike and headed back to the shelter where he is staying.
While it made me thankful for all that I have, it really saddened me that the words "homeless" and "veteran" together have become so common in today's society that many of us don't see the true sacrifice these men and women made to help keep us free.
