When John met his CompeerCORPS friend Harry for the first time, there was an instant connection. Both John and Harry served in the Navy. In fact, all John had to say when meeting Harry was, “Hello, Sailor!” for their friendship to be established.
John helped Harry navigate understanding how to access VA benefits. Together the two worked through the necessary paperwork. With a little guidance from John, Harry now receives health benefits from the VA.
Before Harry was matched with John in a one-to-one connection, Harry could always be found at home, by himself. Now, John needs to call Harry to find out where he is! No longer lonely, Harry goes to two to three groups a week at the VA and participates in the monthly CompeerCORPS steering and planning committee meetings. Today, Harry is a part of the community when before CompeerCORPS he was isolated.
John feels blessed to be able to help another veteran because of his own experiences. Thanks to CompeerCORPS, there is a program to help the forgotten men and women who served their country.