Air Force Vet and Holiday Santa Near-Homeless

My name is Joel Eisenberg and I want to tell you about a very special guy. His name is Brian Uptgraft; he is an Air Force veteran.

For the past several decades Brian, with his own money, purchased and distributed holiday gifts for disadvantaged kids in various Indian reservations throughout the country. He even formed a 501(c)(3) charity called Blazing A Trail for this purpose.

In recent weeks, however, Brian has hit hard times. He had been driving his vehicle across the country to interview fellow military veterans for a documentary. In short order, he lost his home, his car's transmission, and his investors for the project.

He rented a car with the last of his money as he managed to return to his native California. The Veteran's Administration is temporarily housing him as he tries to use their help for something permanent which he has been told may not happen this year.

This is where he's staying now, a room not much larger than a jail cell, courtesy of the VA.

Brian desperately needs to get back on his feet. Time is of the essence. He needs a working car, food money, and an apartment.

We are asking for $5000 as opposed to more, as Brian wants to do the rest on his own.

He has served his country well, and if he's not helped soon he may end up on the street.

Can you please help?