Homeless Veterans, Rest in Peace 1st Class Jerome Murdough

A-Z Challenge = V=Vets, Vagabond, Vagrant, Vulnerable and Victim

The map above represents cities that have signed onto The Major Challenge to reduce homelessness of Veterans in their communities.  Michele Obama spearheaded this program in June of 2014.  The programs tracks the Vets in order to know how many there are, whether or not they've found housing and or are still homeless.  Reducing the number of Homeless Veterans was a goal of President Obama's since 2009.  The data in 2014 indicated Nationally, there was an average of 49,933 homeless Vets in a single night, those numbers are down 14k from 2013, and 33% lower then there were in 2010.

Homeless Vets can be as anyone from WWII forward, though stats indicating Veterans of Vietnam may be the most at risk.

Jerome Anthony Murdough was a US Marine.  This man died a very sad death at the age of 56 while in custody in New York's Riker's Facility.  What happened to him, sadly  represents a trend around the country.  Homeless are treated as criminals, arrested rather than helped.  The report I read indicated 3 major mistakes took place, causing this man.......this Veteran's death.

1. He was arrested instead of helped.  He had a mental illness, he was homeless, he was arrested for sleeping in a stairwell, he was arrested for trespassing.  Sadly, it wasn't the first time he had been arrested for similar problems.
2. Once arrested his bail was set at $2,500.00, a fee that of course he could not pay, (typically prohibitive bail is set).
3. Due to his mental illness, he was incarcerated in a special observation cell that measured 6 x 10.  These observation cells are suppose to be monitored once every 15 minutes.  His dead body was found 4 hours later.  He was dehydrated, died of a heat stroke in a cell that was 100 degrees.

Marine Murdough's mother wasn't even notified until contacted by a news agency 1 month after death of her son.  She is suing the officials.

Rest in Peace.  His final resting place is Forest Green Park Cemetery in Morganville, New Jersey.

Another Veteran, homeless, trying to stay warm by sleeping over a grate where some heat is possible.

Vagabonds and Vagrants are other words that are used to describe homeless people.  The definition for both is a person without means of support, without a permanent address, who moves about.  Sad definitions for our Veterans, don't you think!  Why are they not properly supported?  The next time you hear someone say all homeless are lazy bums, PLEASE tell them they don't know what they're talking about.

If you missed it previously my E post found HERE,  was also a story about a homeless Veteran.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Homeless Veterans

A friend posted this on facebook a few days ago and I thought it most appropriate to share here.  I've often talked about how many homeless men are veterans, but it's a subject that can't be talked about too much in my opinion.  When people talk about homeless as being lazy, low life's I find it upsetting.  Many of these homeless people have served our country and come back from that service broken, unable to get or hold down a job.  We do indeed owe them.

Many homeless are people who've had an illness that depleted their funds, no one chooses to get sick.

Many homeless are children who have no say in what happens.

Homeless need our help, please help.

2013 Donations:

Hats: 656
Scarves: 409
Socks: 251
Afghans: 44
Slippers: 189
Rain Ponchos: 208
Mittens: 98
Cotton Wash Clothes: 654
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's, Skirts etc. : 16
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, hand-warmers, cowls/gators/neckwarners and all meal prep related items, Dolls, associated items, stuffed/crocheted/knitted toys... etc aren't tabulated.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Serving your Country and being Homeless

This isn't a current flag, it's hoisted and proudly flown at Fort McHenry in Maryland. I took this photo a few years ago, while hubby and I were touring. Look at the size of this flag. I wanted to share it with you today, July 4th as we celebrate our Nations Birthday. It's a day to be proud, a day to remember how we got here, who's sacrificed for us.

Sadly, many of those who did serve and protect us, who fought for our freedoms probably aren't celebrating today, not with a family picnic and fireworks. Why? Because they are homeless! They live hand to mouth, out in the elements, in unsafe conditions, wondering in some cases if they'll make it through the night. Wondering if they'll ever be dry and warm again. Yes, it's summer across the country and they currently are going to freeze at night; but the warmer months pass all too quickly. Soon, they'll be huddled against the wind, the rain, the snow and sleet.

Accordingly to The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1/3 of all adult homeless people are Veterans. Half those homeless Veterans served during the difficult Vietnam Years. While the bulk of homeless Veterans are male, about 5% are female, and that number is rising with more females in the service of our country. Most homeless Veterans are single, and live in an urban area. Many have health issues, be they mental illnesses, alcoholism and or drugs; or a combination thereof.

As you celebrate with a good meal and fun times with your loved ones today, make a commitment. A commitment to make something for the homeless. Making one thing can be HUGE. Knit or crochet and make a difference. Make a hat, a scarf, a pair of slippers, a pair of mittens, a cotton washcloth, or a square. They've given so much, let's say Thank You and serve others through our yarn.


All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!

Why, part II

Why? Part One Here, please read if you missed it.

Why, part II? Because this man served his country for you, and for me; and now he needs our help. This man is not alone. Veterans makes up a huge portion of our Homeless across the country. He served us, and now it is our duty to return the service.

Please join us, help us give back to those that gave so much for us.


2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008