My name is Walt McKenzie and I am creating a Go Fund Me account on behalf of my longtime friend, John Ames. John has an urgent medical condition that will cost over $4,000 to resolve. John was a novelist and freelance writer whom I have known since we were stationed together at Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, CA in 1969.

John, who is now 74, had a prolific writing career that produced 83 books and scores of short stories and articles. Because of his passion for American frontier history (especially Native American history) 73 of his books are westerns and Civil War-era historical novels. Unfortunately, those are not bestselling, lucrative genres, and he now lives in poverty. Before starting his writing career, he taught writing at Eastern Michigan University (his alma mater), the University of Colorado, and the University of New Mexico. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Edward_Ames)

John’s financial situation qualifies him as a V.A. hardship patient, and the V.A. tends to his medical needs with the exception of dentistry. A dental examination in November revealed the need for dental surgery to repair multiple infections left after John lost all his teeth. The money collected is not for dental implants. It will eliminate the pain and health risks and provide dentures. These procedures will also fight anemia and other problems caused by his inability to eat properly. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.