Honor a Purple Heart Veteran

I remember the feel of the wind whipping my hair and the smell of just cut grass as we sped along , Kit and I on his motorcycle. We were trying  to outrace our sorrows. After living separtate lives after childhood, we had finally reconnected as young adults at our childhood home.  Kit had just completed his second tour of duty in Vietnam and I was home to grieve my fiances death.  We were both licking our wounds and rutterless. We'd sit on his bed and listen to Bob Dylan and I'd pretend to get what the lyrics were about. And those motrocylce rides released our hearts, if only momentarily, from the weight of Too Much. That Fall, we hid from the world, together.
   
   My brother, Kit,  passed away this July. He  earned a purple heart.  He was wounded in battle and struggled alone with many physical and mental problems for the rest of his adult life. He hung in there, though,  helping  himself and other Vets to survive life. For many years he offered other vets a safe haven in his home, never charging rent This meant a lot to him. He was bravely  compassionate even though he, himself, suffered.

   I want to honor my brother’s life by traveling to Syracuse, New York, where he lived (I live in Colorado) to have him cremated and plan a military funeral for him.   He never married and had no children.  As his sister, I want to connect with him this one last time.   I am asking you for this money to pay for his cremation, and to cover my travel expenses,  legal and other costs.

I would greatly appreciate your help in being able to say goodbye to Kit and his life. It could be a meaningful way for you to thank a vet for his service to his country.

With gratitude,  Kit's loving sister,
     Barbara Schwendler