I have seen Dave many times at Miriam’s Kitchen. He told me once that he had an auto repair shop in Virginia Beach. Recently, possibly due to the holiday season, I saw Dave sitting by Foggy Bottom Metro asking for money and looking really down.
He told me he was a veteran. It turns out Dave served from 1996 to 2000. My Faith compelled me to tell him that the Liquid Spirits he was seeking money for were not the answer. His slow speech signaled to me that something was wrong though. When I asked, he told me his 27 year old son had died.
I stuck to my Faith and told him his son was in Heaven and would want him to have a better life. Dave stuck out his hand and I shook it. We kept talking about his problem.
Days later he told me that he was going to detox. I was really concerned he was looking for more Liquid Spirits. But I’ve seen him since and he looks better. His eyes are brighter. Vets like Dave have been on a sojourn. Isn’t it \time for them to have a place to rest?
Mr. President, is there anywhere that could be used for veterans to stay? How about Walter Reed Campus – could that soon be used to house vets?
