My name is Ryan Haczynski and for 17 years I called Mike my friend and neighbor. Although he was in good health at almost 75 years old, Mike chose to take his own life rather than move away from the home he had known for nearly the last two decades. His landlord pressured him to move out so he could sell the unit or raise the rent, but Mike sadly chose never to leave his final home...

Drafted into the VietNam War in the late 1960s, Mike heroically served as a medic on the battlefield. We never talked much about his time there, but I could tell it brought back good memories for us while we played chess at his kitchen table with the same portable set he lugged around in his rucksack. During his service, this man earned the Bronze Star (with Oak Clusters) twice, an award for heroic action in combat. When I learned of his death on Monday, October 17th, the only things I wanted to retrieve from his house were his Bronze Stars and his DD-214 to ensure this hero would have the military funeral he deserved.

With Veteran's Day approaching, I thought this would be the perfect time to initiate a fundraiser to prevent veteran suicide. I recently spoke with the people at The Fire Watch, an organization here in Florida that specializes in this endeavor. All the funds raised will be dedicated to their mission in Mike's honor.

Although none of the funds are directed to me, I hope a sympathetic probate lawyer will step forward pro-bono to help me file the necessary paperwork to become Mike's executor/"personal representative." On 9/16, Mike asked me to be his beneficiary; all he left behind was a blank will with my name and information attached to it with a paperclip, which is not legally sufficient. The Hillsborough County medical examiner's office has already cremated his body for transportation to a national cemetery. Once I become his executor, I can handle the rest of the paperwork to get him his military funeral.

Mike's story is an important one to be told. It lies at the intersection of veteran suicide, mental health, and the affordable housing crisis that has emerged here in Florida. Mike never wanted to leave. This place was his home. But the landlord wanted him out so he could sell the unit, and Mike could never find another place he could afford financially or put him close enough to a bus stop to have at least some transportation. Every day I wake up, it haunts me that I never said yes to Mike about being his beneficiary because it would have simplified the process so much. If I am declared his heir, all of Mike's remaining meager possessions will be liquidated, and all proceeds will be donated to the same organization (except for a few small keepsakes).

Thank you in advance for your donation. Even if you do not have money to give, sharing Mike's story to help build awareness will go a long way in assisting The Fire Watch and its mission. I am so saddened yet angry by how this all played out that I will likely also volunteer as a citizen "Watch Stander" to provide veterans some solace in times of need. These people have sacrificed so much for all of us, yet our society offers so little in return for them, especially veterans like Mike who were drafted before our military became voluntary. He was a simple man who loved good books, good music, and hiking in God's great outdoors. I am typing this out as tears fill my eyes just thinking about all the memories we created across nearly two decades, and I hope you will honor my friend today.

Gratefully yours,

Ryan Haczynski