Past Winners of the Beacon of Hope Contest

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Uplifting Veterans With a

2022 Beacon of Hope Winners

MATTHEW A.

NEWNAN, GA
UNITED STATES

Matt served in the Army and did three combat tours in Iraq. Unfortunately, he was injured (internal/nerve damage/PTSD) when a lower house level blew up beneath him. After being honorably discharged, Matt was lucky enough to be given “Jet”, his service dog. Regardless of what Matt has been dealt, he is always there for others. He and his family were so proud when they were able to purchase their home, however, the roof needs repairs. Together with his wife and son, Matthew lives in Newnan, Georgia.

MARGOT B.

TRENTON, ON
CANADA

Master Corporal Margot B. is a Canadian Armed Forces Medic who has dedicated her life to helping others. Throughout her career, her Chain of Command often recognized her as performing above and beyond her call of duty. Today she lives with her spouse David, who is also in the Armed Forces, and their two children in Trenton Ontario, Canada. She continues to serve others by organizing special events for Veterans to help them recover from the traumas inflicted by their service for our country.

STEVEN G.

MURPHY, NC
UNITED STATES

Steven served his country for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. After retirement, he started having issues walking and it took the VA years to finally diagnose Steven with MS. Now unable to walk, he spends most of his life in a power wheelchair. Steven manages to wheel around in his yard, raking leaves and such, doing what he can. He and his wife Becky teach a Sunday School class at his church and are an inspiration to others. Unfortunately, his insurance company just dropped coverage of his roof this year. Steven and his wife reside in Murphy, NC.

RALPH H.

TAYLORSTOWN, PA
UNITED STATES

Ralph H. voluntarily enlisted in the Army and served for three years in Germany. He then received an honorary discharge. Due to health reasons, Ralph is now almost completely bed ridden making home maintenance impossible. Ralph and his wife are trying to save for a new roof, but as everything has gone up in price, it has become very difficult. They have a good neighbor that has made small repairs to their roof in hopes that it will last until a new roof is in their budget. Unfortunately, they are fearful that it will not last through the winter. Ralph and his wife reside in Taylorstown, PA.

VFW POST 7302

HEMLOCK, MI
UNITED STATES

VFW Post 7302 strives to create a vibrant place for our local Veterans and active-duty soldiers to join and find the support they need. One of the most welcoming features of Post 7302, are the ceiling tiles. These tiles memorialize those who served and were part of our local community and did not make it home and to honor our Post members who have served and came back to US soil. Post 7302's roof is in desperate need of repair, and there is much water damage on the tiles that we use to honor and memorialize our local Veterans. It is becoming more difficult to create a vibrant place to serve our local Veterans and families when they cannot afford this basic necessity - roof repairs.

ANN Q.

SAN DIEGO, CA
UNITED STATES

Annie, also known as "Granny Annie," served in the United States Army. Also a widow of a Veteran, Annie is facing financial issues. At 71, Annie is still an active girl scout leader, bakes cookies for many high school sport meets, and cares deeply for her community. Recently she battled cancer and is now in remission. She lives in constant stress worrying over the roof that she cannot afford to replace. Stress cannot be good for her cancer. Despite facing adversity, Annie continues to help others, even providing them with a roof over their heads in her own home. She gave a roof from her heart and now she deserves a roof for her home. Annie resides in San Diego, CA.

FRANCOIS R.

SHAWINIGAN, QC
CANADA

Francois R. is a cadet at the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) and a volunteer member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Francois comes from a proud military family where his father, uncle and brother all served. It was his family that inspired him to enlist in the military at the age of 46 to serve his country, Canada. As a homeowner of a tiny house, his roof deserves a little love. Francois lives in Shawinigan, Quebec.

RANDY R.

WOODBRIDGE, VA
UNITED STATES

Randy served 4 years in the Marine Corps and in that time, he deployed to Afghanistan for 7 months. During his time in combat, his vehicle was struck by an I.E.D where he and 3 other Marines suffered lifelong injuries from the blast. Randy led the convoy that day, and after the blast his first thought was to make sure his fellow Marines were okay. It was a miracle they all survived and till this day, he checks up on his Marines. After he got out of the military, he battled with PTSD and with his transition out of the Marines. Shortly after the birth of his son, an opportunity arose for him in Virginia to work as a contractor. Once in Virginia, it was very difficult for him to keep the family afloat due to the job falling through. Eventually, Randy landed a good job at a college campus and thanks to his service in the military, he was able to secure a VA loan for a home for his family. Randy lives in Woodbridge, Virginia with his wife and son.

KUULEME S.

TUCSON, AZ
UNITED STATES

Kuuleme served in the US Navy during the Gulf War era. She is medically retired with injuries to her knees, back and neck. She also now suffers from Lupus. Despite these ailments, Kuuleme is working to raise her two children along with two nieces that have special needs. In addition to her duties as head of household, caregiver, and mother, Kuuleme works as a Service Officer in Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In this role, she assists other disabled Veterans in filing claims with various organizations and assisting with much needed services and counseling. Kuuleme is also an advocate for Crime Victims United assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The fight for everyone to have a safe, healthy, and secure home did not end with her Navy retirement, it continues today. The roof on her home needs replacing and the cost is beyond her means. Kuuleme, who provides hope to so many, could use a Beacon of Hope.

CLIFFORD T.

PHIPPSBURG, ME
UNITED STATES

Specialist Joe Y. is a Vietnam War Veteran, retired Specialist and Purple Heart Recipient. The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name...

Tim served seven years between active duty in the U.S. Air Force and the...

READ MORE SECOND PRIZE WINNER

2019 Beacon of Hope Winners

”We are committed to helping Veterans that live and work in our communities, and the Beacon of Hope contest is just one way that we can support our Veterans who have served our country and are facing adversity in the years following their service. We are honored to give back to these deserving Veterans and their families.“

- Jamie Samide, Beacon’s Vice President of Marketing