More than $1.6 million has been raised by Americans to save a struggling 88-year-old Army veteran from working full-time at a Michigan grocery store. The veteran, Ed Bambas, lost his pension and healthcare after General Motors’ 2012 bankruptcy. This heartbreaking story is a clear indictment of how the system abandoned our nation's heroes.
Australian content creator Samuel Weidenhofer found Bambas at a Meijer grocery store in Brighton, Michigan. Weidenhofer learned Bambas had retired in 1999 but was forced back to work to make ends meet.
Bambas quietly shared his tragic story. He said, “The thing that hurt me the most was when my wife was really sick, and when they took the pension, they also took the healthcare coverage and all but $10,000 of my life insurance.”
He confirmed his family had done everything they could to survive. Bambas added, “So, I sold my house, sold the property I had, we made it through.”
Since his wife's death seven years ago, the veteran has struggled financially. He said simply, “I don't have enough income,” prompting Weidenhofer to immediately launch a GoFundMe campaign.
The response was an overwhelming show of grassroots patriotism. Over 56,000 strangers donated more than $1.6 million in just a few days. The incredible American generosity proves that citizens will step up where corporations and the government have failed.
Weidenhofer's mission statement perfectly captured the patriotic sentiment. He said, “Ed fought for his country, he worked his whole life, and now it's our turn to fight for him.”
The influencer added that veterans deserve dignity. He said, “If you believe our elders and veterans deserve dignity, please consider contributing."
Bambas’ son, Michael Bambas, confirmed his father had accumulated massive debt due to his wife’s medical bills. The younger Bambas said the money means his father can now “start living and doing things for himself.”
The store, Meijer, is providing the veteran with financial planning assistance for life. This incredible community response is a patriotic testament to the power of American charity.