HIGH POINT, N.C. — Veterans Day is about more than just thanking a veteran. Some people are taking it a step further by giving back to the ones that protect us.
"It's changed everything it's only been a little over a month and a half," said Keith Bracken, a Marine Veteran out of High Point, NC.
A few months ago Marine Veteran Keith Bracken's life was completely changed when he was gifted a car.
"I would walk from here to work. I'd walk to the grocery store essentially anywhere i had to go it was a good three to four hours of walking everyday," Bracken said.
Today walking is a thing of the past thanks to the organization Veterans Bridge Home which helps local veterans return to civilian life.
Network Director for the organization Cory Spoor says when the National Autobody Council-another program helping veterans- reached out to them to nominate a veteran in need he says his first thought was Bracken.
"He was walking four miles to go to work every single day and working the late shift and immediately we thought he was the perfect candidate and unfortunately during that time his wife passed away," Spoor said.
Just one month shy of getting his new car, Bracken's wife Gina died from serious health complications leaving him behind with their three children.
"She was waiting to get the news before. we were on the waiting list."
Despite his wife not being here to celebrate, Bracken says he's thankful for resources in the community giving veterans a new outlook and way of life .
"Not even 6 months ago I was not here I didn't even have a place so it all adds up," Bracken said.
Veterans Resources
If you are a veteran and are in need of help, don't hesitate.
You can find FAQs about VA benefits and services, step-by-step instructions for using VA.gov tools, or click or tap HERE.
For a full list of resources from NC-Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), click or tap HERE.
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