About a month and a half ago, Mitchell Fowlkes of Kansas City saw his job prospects go up in flames.
His van, the one he was preparing to fix, was stolen from his property – the price, he said, of living in the inner city.
But Fowlkes traveled in his new to him used Oldsmobile to Grain Valley Monday night to get back on track, and to thank the people who got him going.
“If I had a bike, that would be as good as a car at this point,” Fowlkes said, a few hours before he and four others met at Whiskey Tango in Grain Valley. “It was tough going there for a while. I couldn’t apply to any jobs.”
Fowlkes served in the U.S. Army from April 1972 until April 1976.
Monday night’s event served two purposes: to raise money for medals that will be passed out to all Vietnam veterans when The Wall That Heals arrives in Blue Springs on Sept. 30, and to honor Vietnam veterans by thanking them and giving them cars to help with their individual hardships.
Terry Franz, an Overland Park resident who started Cars for Christmas 15 years ago, started Cars 4 Heroes four years ago. The recipients on Monday night were all Vietnam veterans.
“We give cars to all veterans,” he said. “But Monday night it was about Vietnam vets. We all know that our Vietnam veterans were not always treated well when they returned home and we are giving a little back and honoring some very deserving veterans that served our country proudly.”
Country act Chris Young and “American Idol” star Danny Gokey performed on Monday.
Fowlkes learned of the program through the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs. The Missouri Veterans Commission also referred names for those who are in need.
The other recipients include Javan Hardy, of Kansas City, who is attending school full time to be an addiction counselor.
Currently in his third semester, Hardy needs a car to finish school. He plans on helping veterans when he graduates.
James Stivers, of Kansas City, is dealing with many health issues.
He continues to work to improve his job skills through the VA Supportive Employment program, and his goal is to save money for a car so he can help other veterans get to the VA.
Ferman Mojica, of Lee’s Summit, is a disabled veteran. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in January 1975. Chronically ill, Mojica must make several trips to the VA for appointments, which is difficult because he depends on family members to drive him there.
William Heath, of Overland Park, is disabled. Heath’s wife serves as his caregiver, and she has severe Crone’s Disease.
Fowlkes thanked all those involved.
“This helps out a lot.”
For more information about how to donate to The Wall That Heals, visit www.bluespringswallthatheals.net.
CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE CAUSES
The Blue Springs City Council regular meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4. Council members and city staff attended a fundraiser for The Wall That Heals Monday night at Whiskey Tango in Grain Valley. Proceeds will be used to pay for medals each Vietnam veteran receives.
