911 Tribute
Sports athletes
On this solemn 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we at the Lettermen of the USA reflect on a day that forever changed our nation. In the midst of the unbelievable amount of pain and loss, we witnessed an incredible spirit of unity, bravery, and resilience.
As we remember those who were taken from us and honor the heroes who stepped forward in our nation’s darkest hour, we are reminded of the power of coming together as one people, bound by our shared values of courage, compassion, and sacrifice. We cannot make it as a nation without these values.
Providing Mobility
AE3 Billy Gene Kennedy is the first beneficiary of the generosity of the 2019 “One Yard at a Time” Gala sponsors. AE3 Kennedy was born April 24, 1928 in Scottsboro, Alabama. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 and served stateside supporting the war effort as an Aviation Electrician until his discharge in November of 1951 at the rank of Aviation Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class (AE3). After his discharge, Mr. Kennedy returned to Huntsville, Alabama where he joined the work force at the Army Redstone Arsenal until 1960 when NASA moved in from Texas. He worked for NASA from 1960 until his retirement in December of 1988.
LotUSA provided Mr. Kennedy with the Companion Four-Wheel full size scooter Model (GC440C) on Sunday 14 April 2019. Special thanks to MobilityWorks® of Huntsville, Alabama for helping get Mr. Kennedy the exact model to fit his needs. In addition to the scooter, LotUSA is providing a $3000 down payment toward a low profile van to transport his new scooter.
Providing Home Renovation
The home where the Melhiser family lives was in dire need of a new front porch. With his injuries, surgeries, and continued health challenges, Jason was not physically able to do the necessary manual labor to replace the deteriorated porch. An old college friend of Jason’s offered to replace the front porch. Jason and Jennifer saved up enough money to start the project. The “friend” deconstructed the front porch, leaving a 5-foot wide area that dropped from the front door directly down to the foundation below. Then, the issues began. The “friend” doing the project needed still more money. He began to make excuses why he couldn’t come to finish the work. Problems with his vehicle, issues with his workers, and on and on. Eventually, leaving a dangerous drop-off from the front door, and a hole in the side of the house, he disappeared, with the Melhiser’s money.
Volunteers Ralph Woodard and Desmond Holoman
Taking Care of our Own
Brian Cunningham
Impact Statement
I suffered a number of injuries over the past few years. They have included bulging discs, cervical stenosis, brain aneurysm, hip labral tears, and a sports hernia. Surgery for some of these issues is considered very risky. As a result, I sought out alternative methods for healing for most of my problems. I found that there are different types of injections one may take and they have been shown to promote healing in one’s body. They are as follows: Prolotherapy, PRP, and Stem Cells.
I sought a reputable and experienced physician who deals with such things. I found a facility called Caring Medical in Ft. Meyers, FL. They have over 25 years of experience in helping people heal. I know people who have been helped by going to see them. The only problem with such procedures is that insurance does not typically cover them and they can be quite pricey. The Lettermen of the USA organization assisted me financially in getting the injections covered. I have already begun to see improvement, physically, which of course, helps one’s all-around well-being.
While I still have a ways to go, and possibly more treatments to come in the future, I am extremely grateful for this organization and wouldn’t be in a better position without them.
God bless,
Brian Cunningham