I had the privilege to serve with Caleb Massey in Iraq from June 2006 – September 2007. Caleb was a terrific soldier, could work the 50 cal like no one I’d ever seen, and yet as good of a soldier as he was, he was a better friend.
I went through a spell of personal struggles while in Iraq, like many soldiers during deployment, but Caleb never seemed effected by any of them. As a matter of fact, he made those times easier with his witty sense of humor and ability to make any situation, no matter the imminent threat, one of laughter. I adopted something he said to me one time after an IED hit our convoy on the way to Mosul. He said, “you can either cry and change nothing, or laugh and move on. I choose to laugh.”
On April 30, 2024, after nearly 17 years since returning home from Iraq, and struggling with PTSD, Caleb took his last breath in this life and opened his eyes to behold his Savior. At his funeral on May 8th, I listened, remembered, and wept as his pastor shared details of who Caleb truly was, a servant. He stated that Caleb was one that would call, text, and check in on others going through hardships. One account shared during his funeral was when Caleb gave his car to a homeless man he met that was in greater need and distress than he was. He didn’t consider the details like title transfer, insurance, or anything else. He simply saw a need, and did what he could to meet it. Caleb embodied the definition of a servant-leader.
As I sat and listened to this story, tears rolling down my face, my heart was tugged and moved to utilize my skills in the nonprofit sector, and my experience in ministry to do something more to serve our veteran heroes. I pitched the idea to men of 1st Platoon Co H 121 Long Range Surveillance that were present at Caleb’s funeral, and they agreed to join me in this new mission.
Today, we are focusing our efforts at raising funds, supplies, and services to meet three drastic needs within the veteran community; PTSD, homelessness, and addiction recovery. Our mission is a life long, and tedious one. However, with your help and involvement, I believe we can make a major dent in the issues facing our veterans today.
I am not asking on behalf of myself, because that is something Caleb never did. However, like Caleb, I am unashamedly asking on the behalf of 22 veterans each day that succumb to their demons and take their own lives. I am asking on behalf of the 16% of the homeless that are made up of veterans, and the 6% of those struggling with substance abuse. Will YOU help us?! Will you do more than just send thoughts and prayers? Will you sacrifice just a small portion for those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom?
Visit www.veteransinvictory.com and give today! We are “fighting for those who fought for us!” Will you join us in the battle?
Sincerely,
Stephen Underwood
Founder/CEO
Veterans in Victory Inc
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