“Without MACV, the VA, and Ramsey County, I’d be living on the streets.” -Housed Marine Corps Veteran James

After a lifetime of service, travel, and raising a family, Marine Corps Veteran James has once again found peace and stability in an apartment he now calls home. Having only lived there for a few months, this space—furnished with items from Bridging and filled with his piano music—has become a refuge after decades of moving from place to place and recent grief.

Following his brothers’ footsteps, James enlisted in the Marine Corps and served when he could. For him, military service seemed like the right thing to do. Like many who served, he understood the cost of that decision and often repeated the phrase, “Freedom is not free.” His time in the military marked the beginning of a journey that would take him across the country and, eventually, to Alaska and then to Minnesota.

Life has been an adventure for James, especially alongside his wife of 50 years. The two traveled extensively, moving from one place to another, never settling for too long in one spot. That all changed in 2016 when his wife became ill with cancer. After his wife’s passing, James moved to Minnesota to be closer to his daughter and grandchild, who are part of his large family, which includes five children and many grandchildren.

Upon arriving in Minnesota, he knew he was going to need to rebuild his life, but he wasn’t sure what to expect. But thanks to the VA, he was introduced to MACV and found much-needed housing stability. James was amazed by the number of benefits available to him—many of which he hadn’t known about until MACV and the VA got involved. “I was shocked to find out that I had so many benefits available to me,” he said, reflecting on the experience.

Although he had used the VA in the past to buy a house and pursue education, largely thanks to the encouragement of his wife, the full scope of services available to him—especially as he aged—came as a surprise. At 85, he now receives critical support from MACV, which has become his safety net.

Today, his health is a top priority, and he is grateful for the assistance he receives. His MACV health care navigator ensures he stays on top of his medical needs and has a personal care assistant to help with day-to-day tasks. He is also looking into transitioning to assisted living with guidance from MACV. Programs like Meals on Wheels have also become a lifeline for him, providing nutritious, pre-made meals that meet his dietary requirements.

Despite the challenges of aging, he finds joy in simple daily activities. He often plays the piano in his apartment, a comforting routine that reminds him of the many places he’s lived and the adventures he’s had over the years. Family visits bring him even more joy, as he cherishes the time spent with his children and grandchildren. Reflecting on his life, he says, “In your lifetime, when you look back, it’s amazing all the places you’ve been.”

James acknowledges that life has its ups and downs. “Life is full of some things that are better than others. I was with my wife for 50 years, and we traveled all over,” he shared. But throughout the changes and challenges, he is thankful for the support he now receives. “Support when aging is making a big difference in my life,” he noted.

For James, the guidance and services from MACV, the VA, and Ramsey County have transformed his situation. His message to other Veterans is clear: “If you are going through a tough time, check and see if you have any benefits available to you. MACV can help you.” His story is a reminder that no matter where life takes you, some resources and people can make a significant difference.