Assist Rusty Strait: A Life of Service & Need

My name is John Bush, and I have lived in Hemet, California, since early November 1984. I met Rusty Strait on my first day in this town, and he has been my good friend ever since. He will be 102 years old on May 17, and he will be sent to Washington, DC, to be honored at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on his birthday by being designated to assist in placing a wreath at the Unknown Soldier's grave. His expenses for this trip are being covered by others without expense to Rusty.

As one of the last remaining World War II veterans, it is provident that he is receiving this recognition on his birthday. What a special present that will be for him. But Rusty is otherwise troubled at this time.

Rusty has been on Social Security retirement for decades now, but he has been part-time employed as permitted all along, according to the rules of the Administration, as a Legal Documents Assistant, a local newspaper senior reporter, author, and writer, among other things. But this has all recently changed for him.

On April 8 this year, he underwent heart surgery to replace a valve in his heart as a result of his heart attack he suffered on August 8 last year. He also fell down on February 8 of this year, cutting his head open and lying in a puddle of blood until he was found. He has major balance issues and now must use a walker. He has been prevented from all work since his fall, and his savings have been depleted; he is struggling to pay his mortgage on his small, modest home.

As demonstrated from the images posted on this page, he devoted 16 years in service to his country in four branches of the United States Military. What a full, colorful life he is living. A kinder, more giving man would be virtually impossible to find. We should give him a hand. According to the actuarial tables of the Social Security Administration, Rusty at 102 has 1.87 years, or about 22 more months of reasonable life expectancy, to demonstrate his great compassion and acts of kindness for his fellow man.

Rusty needs at least $1,000.00 a month, or $22,000.00, to be able to continue his wonderful path in life with dignity.