This is Ken from Massachusetts’ story…

"My father, Ken Avery, is 85 years old and still working to make ends meet. He grew up in Boston in a poor home and faced a difficult childhood that separated him from his siblings. He joined the Air Force as soon as he could to build a better life. While stationed in Syracuse, he survived a tragic barracks fire that took the lives of seven fellow airmen. He continues to honor them to this day.

After his service, Ken worked for Eastern Airlines as a crew scheduler. He was well loved by his coworkers, but when the company shut down, he lost most of his pension. That loss made it hard for him to feel secure financially. Still, that job brought him the love of his life, his wife Junelle. They shared nearly 45 years together before she passed away from cancer in 2017.

He visits her every day, sharing updates about their children and six grandchildren. Their bond remains strong, and he carries her love with him in everything he does. Family has always been at the center of his life.

Ken later worked for the U.S. Post Office, but his pension was not enough to retire on. At 65, he found joy working as a ticket taker for the Boston Red Sox. He takes pride in his work and was named Ticket Taker of the Year in 2025. Because the job is seasonal, he still relies on unemployment during the off months.

To everyone who knows him, he is “Dearie,” a nickname given by his wife that has stayed with him. He is a devoted father, grandfather, and friend who has given so much to others. He deserves comfort, stability, and to feel supported after a lifetime of hard work and love."

-Melissa Shea

Kindness Creator Samuel Weidenhofer is on a mission to ensure one veteran or veteran’s family in every US state never has to work again.

With over 15 million people behind him, this is more than a fundraiser. It’s a national movement to honour those who have served.

Every donation matters.

Every share helps change a life.