VETERANS HOME Program Helps Veterans Get "Adopted" Into Local Families
Reported by: Dan Matics
Web Producer: Bethany Simmons
Reported: Nov. 19, 2012 9:05 AM EST
Updated: Nov. 19, 2012 10:01 AM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Huntington
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
While many people try to give back to the ones who have given their service to our country, some local families are providing veterans a home.
"I'd be drinking my wine and I wouldn't care if I'd lived today or died tomorrow," said Bobby Keathley, a veteran from Huntington.
Keathley said he had nothing to live for just a few months ago. He had lost touch with his family and was alone, but then he got into the Medical Foster Home Program. That program allows qualified families to "adopt" a veteran, who would otherwise be living in a nursing home.
"Well, if it weren't for this, I would have no place to sleep or nothing," Keathley said. The veteran now lives with Kim Pauley and her family.
Pauley applied to be a foster family to a veteran and was matched up with 79-year-old veteran.
"It makes me feel great. I feel like I'm impacting him," Pauley said. "He's changed his life around."
Pauley said Keathley has become part of her family. She has gotten him into church and even been able to reunite him with his sister, who he has not seen in six years. Keathley said his life has been turned around by the love of his new foster family.
"This is one of the best things that has ever happened to me," Keathley said. "I've got a different outlook on life."
Officials hope more veterans will soon be helped by the program. Sponsored by the VA in Huntington, the program will be expanded to help veterans in the Charleston area.
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Dan Matics
