Joel lives between the Mississippi River and a levi

November 10, 2008 | St Louis, Missouri | Vetting explained

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Joel is a veteran who lives under a bridge between the Mississippi River and a levi near downtown St Louis.

When the river flooded St Louis this spring, Joel watched his homeless neighbors move to higher ground; but luckily, Joel was able to stay in his tent home and remained dry. He surrounds himself with patriotic possessions acquired since he came home as a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Resourceful, Joel has been able to tap into a local electrical box so his tent may have a little heat, a light and to operate an old VCR.

Despite the smell of decaying garbage, broken booze bottles and the dampness of the Mississippi, it 's Joel's home; it's where Joel feels safe.

Joel is one of many veterans that have fallen through the cracks of the Veterans Administration. He no longer believes or trust any promises the VA offers. For him, it's just a matter of daily survival.

Posted in Assignment:
Gulf War illness

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