Michael is a 62-year-old U.S. Marine Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one campaign star. There is a quote by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche he holds on to dearly: “What does not kill you makes you stronger.”

With the end of his military service, Michael used his G.I. bill benefits for his education and graduated from UCLA with an electronic engineering degree. He got married and has two children. But several years ago, Michael’s employer downsized and he was laid off after 20 years of faithful service. He also lost his pension fund, as did many others at that time, with the downturn in the economy.

After 30 years of marriage, his wife divorced him and moved on. He lost hope and found it hard to find a place to live. After hearing about Leaves of Healing’s food ministry and outreach to veterans, he stopped by, and has been so grateful for the assistance. The provision he receives is what he lives on for the week.

Many veterans have found their way to the various pantries seeking assistance. Our pantries delight in thanking these individuals for their service and lend a hand in providing food essentials in their time of need.