A group of homeless veterans are about to move into a new refuge in Knoxville.
“We are able to expand our housing by 10 other units. So, we will then have 33 units in Knox County dedicated specifically and solely for veterans,” said Ms. Leann Human-Hilliard of Helen Ross McNabb Center.
The non-profit is spearheading a public and private effort to build more permanent supportive housing in Knoxville to help reduce the almost three hundred homeless veterans on the streets.
“Veterans can live here, build their community here, and can also walk next door and get services and support,” added Ms. Human-Hilliard.
A ribbon cutting is set for late September on the new complex of apartments located in the West View neighborhood just off Middlebrook Pike.
“It’s a good companionship. We’re like brothers-to-brothers hanging in there,” said Mr. William Wall who served four years in the Navy. He is among the homeless veterans selected by the Veterans Administration and its voucher program that's set to move into a complex dedicated to serving those who served.
“Oh, this a great step moving forward,” said Mr. Wall staring out a second story window which allows sunset light to fill his one-bedroom apartment every night.
In addition to our on-camera tour of the new complex, Mr. Wall took time to answer the following 10 questions about the impact of his military service on the rest of his life.
- What one person influenced you most in life? Ex-CIA Director William Casey
- Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country? Yes, more now then 1977
- How can people thank you for your service? Go and support a VET, invite them for dinner or a place to sleep, or just a simple 'thank you.'
- How do you honor your fellow men and women? Kandace Burnette and myself started Campaign “Goodnight Saigon” after Billy Joel's song about Vietnam. We decided that what more can we do to help our VETS. And since there are a large amount that use public transportation, why not get free city bus service for all VETS. I have sent a request to Senator Lamar Alexander to help us with this and if we have to go to Washington to speak in front of Congress, then I will.
- How do you think this generation of service men & women is different or similar to yours? No different, as they are putting their lives on the line constantly as any other era.
- What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life? Never to give up the battle, as in life, not to quit and give in.
- Does your family have a history of military? My four brothers all served in either the Navy or Air Force, my late father served in the Korean Conflict in the Army.
- Would you encourage your son, daughter or other younger generations in your family to join the service? Well, I encouraged my Son Denny who served somewhat in the Navy. I also tried to get my youngest daughter to join until kids came along, but I encourage all young men and women to join after high school to do at least 2 years of service.
- After seeing it and living it, how has your opinion of war changed? I don’t like war. Who does? But there are necessary battles, especially now against the evil of Radicalism.
- How did your military experience shape your religious faith? My belief in peaceful engagement is best, but evil is out there and we must not let evil win.