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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Through the mid-Nineteen Sixties, with struggle raging in Vietnam, Ben Gryctko felt like he had a army obligation and knew he was going to serve.
At 21, the school graduate joined the Marine Corps in 1966. The Pennsylvania native witnessed the Tet Offensive and misplaced pals throughout his 13-month tour.
“When PTSD hit me. I don’t suppose anybody comes again from fight that they don’t have some type of it,” Gryctko.
He would earn a Bronze Star for rescuing a Vietnamese household from a burning dwelling.
“You went into it together with your eyes large open and grateful that you simply got here out on the opposite facet okay,” he stated.
After the struggle, he labored for Johnson and Johnson. However three years in the past the veteran discovered himself in some of the difficult moments in his 77 years.
“In December 2019 my life had been in a downward spiral,” Gryctko stated. “It was like a twister the place they lose every little thing.”
Snowballing private pitfalls result in homelessness. Gryctko turned to the V.A. which referred him to Liberation Veteran Providers.
“It was like an oasis within the desert,” he stated. “It offered you with a heat, safe setting. I can’t put it into phrases. It was a lifesaver for me.”
The non-profit shelter on Hull Road aids veterans hanging on by a thread.
CEO Jay Patrick stated some veterans could also be too prideful to just accept assist. Patrick stated Liberation Veteran Providers (LVS) wished to interrupt that stigma.
“We don’t need to strip you of your id as a veteran. We need to provide you with your dignity again,” he stated.
At LVS employment coaching, psychological well being and substance abuse providers, and momentary housing assist veterans like Ben Gryctko regain a strong footing.
“Ben is the kind of person who is very easy to like. Really easy to like,” Patrick stated. “You possibly can’t think about a man like that to fall on onerous instances.”
Fletcher Johnson, the Director of Development at LVS, referred to as Gryctko a mannequin shopper.
“We imagine the phrase homeless and veteran ought to by no means go collectively,” Johnson stated. “The truth that they served our nation for us signifies that they want all the providers that we will get round them.”
Since opening in 2013, LVS has helped almost 600 veterans.
“They discover a sense of neighborhood. A way of fraternity. A way of camaraderie,” Patrick stated.
Ben Gryctko was welcomed with open arms at LVS for 13 months throughout COVID.
“I knew I used to be going to have my fundamental wants lined,” Ben Gryctko stated.
Early in March, Gryctko celebrated one yr in his new condo in Chesterfield. A house he can name his personal.
“What higher technique to do it than assist a inhabitants of veterans who’ve already proven us that they love this nation they usually need to serve this nation so we’re right here to serve them,” Patrick stated.
Marine Corps veteran Ben Gryctko would be the first to let you know how he relishes his second probability.
“It was a brand new chapter in life. That’s the manner I take a look at it and thank God I’m right here,” he stated. “The previous is previous. I can’t change that. I can study from it. And develop from it. Simply recognize day by day at some point at a time and luxuriate in life.”
Be taught extra about Liberation Veteran Providers right here.
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