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The Gift of Hope: Community Uplifts Veteran Amidst Home Repair Struggle


In the depths of personal struggles, individuals often feel they are navigating life’s trials alone. This story is a reminder that you are not alone. When a veteran turned to Alaska Warrior Partnership (AKWP) for support in an uphill battle against the winter months, AKWP rallied the community to support and revitalize her faith in humanity.


Karen Kirkpatrick is an Air Force veteran (‘78-‘80) who purchased property with a VA Renovation Loan. Unfortunately, she has faced continuous obstacles in preparing her home for the approaching winter, especially sustaining accessible and adequate heating resources. Being on a strict timeline, Karen’s fears of having to brace the harsh Alaska winter in the cold started to become a potential reality. This is when she turned to AKWP for a lifeline. Karen reached out to the AKWP team and asked if they knew of any able-bodied people in the area who could assist her with constructing a woodshed to keep her supply dry from the snow. She already had the materials ready to build the shed; she just could not complete the project on her own in the short timeline.


The AKWP team, knowing how vital this support would be for Karen, combed their resources and community partners to find the quickest solution. AKWP reached out to local partner Mat-Su Health Foundation, who were able to connect AKWP to VFW Post 9365. After coordinating time and materials with AKWP, VFW Commander Ryan Moe gathered members from their post to volunteer their time. The team worked together to successfully build Karen’s woodshed and stack firewood that she had on hand, providing her with peace of mind that she will be safe and warm throughout the winter months.


The BEST gift out of all this is....HOPE. It's like Christmas came early for me.” - Karen Kirkpatrick, Air Force Veteran


AKWP is proud to support veterans like Karen through their highs and lows, reminding them that they are not alone. AKWP stands with and for our community’s veterans.


 

Too many veterans and their families are suffering – to the point of taking their lives. Our passionate donors empower the lives of veterans, their families, and caregivers through our upstream approach to reach a veteran before a crisis occurs.


The difference made in this story is thanks to people like you. Please donate today because together, we can do better!



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