Displaced by Disaster — Help a Veteran Dad & Son Rebuild

Retired Combat Veteran Displaced by Police-Involved Shooting — Help Us Secure a New Home

Campaign Launched: May 18th, 2025

Posted On: May 18th, 2025

Starting Balance: $0

Hello, my name is Nick—many of you know me as Coach Nick. I’m a medically retired Army Aviator, a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, football coach, life and executive coach, and most importantly, the proud father of an incredible 11-year-old son.

☆☆☆ Help Coach Nick & His Son Rebuild After a Tragic Displacement ☆☆☆

On April 10th, everything changed. A police-involved shooting occurred directly above our apartment in Malta, NY. Though we had nothing to do with the incident, our unit took the brunt of the damage. Stray bullets ruptured sprinkler systems and water pipes, flooding our home and causing the ceiling to collapse. Our unit was a total loss.

Since that day, my son and I have been living out of a hotel. While many families have returned, we’re one of only two still displaced. We were heartbroken to learn that—despite renewing our lease just a day before the incident—management is moving forward with plans to upgrade and rent our unit at a higher rate. In short: we have no home to return to.

While it feels like we’ve been pushed aside, we’re focused on finding a way forward.

✨ An Unexpected Opportunity

Amid this chaos, the Lord opened a door.

A friend who sells and flips homes heard about our situation and offered us a property in Latham—below market value. He’s now personally overseeing renovations to make sure it’s safe and move-in ready. I’m using a VA loan, which helps, but we still need to raise $13,110 in closing costs—and time is running out.

My Son's Wellbeing

Through it all, he has shown incredible resilience. But hotel life has taken a toll—our sleep has been inconsistent, his school routine disrupted, and the lack of stability has weighed heavily on both of us. I’m doing everything I can to keep him grounded, supported, and surrounded by a sense of normalcy.

️Why We’re Asking for Help

As a retired and disabled Army veteran living on a fixed income, I’ve spent years rebuilding my life through active healing. Holistic health, repetitive movement, and helping others heal by sharing my discoveries and coaching have become essential tools in managing my PTSD, cognitive challenges, physical injuries, and staying grounded day to day.

This journey of healing and recovery has been profoundly restorative—allowing me to manage chronic injuries, stay grounded, and reconnect with a deeper sense of strength and purpose. But it also requires real sacrifice. Recovery has been a full-time commitment, involving regular medical appointments, therapies, and navigating daily challenges. While coaching and volunteering remain central to my sense of purpose, I’m only able to serve in those roles on a part-time basis.

The recent loss of our home has pushed us beyond my capabilities, which is why we’re asking for help now. My insurance has started some reimbursements, but there’s still a significant gap to cover. It’s a substantial and unexpected financial hurdle.

This may not be our dream home—but it's the blessing we've been praying for. It gives us stability, a foundation to rebuild, and a chance to get back on our feet.

If you’re able to chip in, share this page, or say a prayer, you’ll be helping us take a major step toward a safe, stable home for my son and me.

I want to be completely transparent so there’s no confusion. Last week (today's date is 18 May), I took my son on a prepaid trip to visit his Godfather—a celebration for his First Communion, which we had planned months before the tragedy. Jackson received his sacrament at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Latham, and while visiting, his Godfather—who’s part of a club with special access—was able to get us into a couple amusement parks at no cost. It turned out to be a much-needed mental health break for both of us after everything we’ve been through.

This coming week (today's date is May 18), I’ll be going on a spiritual pilgrimage with the Franciscan Order through the Catholic Church for Veterans— a Christmas gift I received well before these events. It’s come at a time, and in a world, when reflection, healing, and faith are more important than ever.

Neither of these experiences were funded by, nor are they connected to, this GoFundMe. Every dollar raised here will go directly toward the essential costs and needs for the new home. If we’re blessed with any funds beyond that goal, the excess will be donated to St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Latham—a welcoming community and source of support that has meant so much to my son and me.

From the Bottom of Our Hearts: Thank You ❤️

Your kindness—whether through giving, sharing, or simply praying—means more than we can ever express.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Coach Nick & Jackson