[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, on Veterans’ Day, we pause to give thanks for all the men and women who have put on the uniform; who pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States; who made sacrifices to ensure our freedom.
Here at The Independence Center, veterans hold a special place in our hearts. Through our Veteran in Charge program, we have the honor of assisting veterans with disabilities who wish to stay in their homes and communities. Because we work closely with each veteran, we have the privilege of getting to know them, meeting their families, and understanding their needs.
To date, we have served almost 300 veterans of all ages and backgrounds. While they have many things in common due to their service, each person has a unique story. Below are two of these stories.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Isabel Hicks
At just 17 years old, Isabel joined the Army with the goal of making it a career. Despite breaking her back in basic training, she was able to graduate. But things got harder after that and in 2009, after just two years in the Army, Isabel retired. In the years that followed, Isabel developed a serious heart condition. She was told that she had to quit working and driving, and that her husband had to provide her with 24-hour care. “Everything stopped,” she says. “It was a very hard time. We literally had nothing.”
But thanks to VIC, things have turned around. “Any time I’ve needed help, they’ve been there,” Isabel says. “They helped us get the benefits, resources, and support we needed so that we could thrive.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”14455″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Albert C. Mosley
Two years ago, Retired Army Master Sergeant Albert C. Mosley reached an incredible milestone; he turned 100 years old. Making it even more special was that he was born on the very first Armistice Day – November 11, 1919. Albert spent over 20 years in the Army, serving in the 92nd Infantry Division, the “Buffalo Soldiers.” He fought in both World War II and the Korean War.
Today, he continues to live in his home with the assistance of the VIC program and he is happy to share his secrets to a long life: “Eat good, sleep good, treat everybody good, and be nice and be helpful.” Words to live by![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”10905″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We appreciate Isabel and Arthur for allowing us to share their stories. And we are honored to be able to give back to those who gave so much to this country.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]