Cory, a disabled US Navy Veteran, Independent Duty Corpsman, Fleet Marine Forces from Waterloo reflected on his past year after leaving the AFIL Veterans Transitional Home, “I graduated from the transitional home in May 2018 and I have since worked steady employment through a large home improvement company. In addition, AFIL counselled me on working with a bank to set up a budget and how to manage money smarter. I now have a savings and checking account, a credit card, and purchased stock through my company and set up a 401K.

It’s the first time in years that I have had my own apartment, car, and I have the ability to pay my bills. What this experience is it’s a way to restore ones dignity and regain the confidence to do whatever you set your mind to. AFIL is not a babysitting service it is a rebuilding program for veterans who are willing to face the obstacles head on and make the sacrifices and correct choices to improve their life.”

George Washington once declared that “the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”