Reluctant veteran embraces help to end his homelessness – Billy’s story
July 27, 2015HVAF employment services make strides in finding jobs for veterans
July 27, 2015Crossing Iowa for a cause
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| Jack finishes RAGBRAI |
Jack Wickes’ story of cycling more than 462 miles across the state of Iowa during RAGBRAI – the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride garnered both national and local news coverage on AOL.com, NPR, WQAD in the Quad Cities area of West-Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa,FOX59, CBS4 and RTV6. So far he has raised twenty three hundred dollars for HVAF.
During his time on the road, Wickes sent in photos about his experiences: the things he saw, the emotions he felt and the challenges he faced.
On July 19, Jack Wickes completed his 7th day of cycling. He began training last summer and set out to achieve a fitness goal as well as raise awareness and funds for HVAF programs and services. To further the efforts to help homeless veterans, Wickes dedicated 50 cents for every RAGRAI mile to HVAF.
“We appreciate those who have served our country, but there are those that really need our help,” says Jack. “In addition to their service, they just need to get back on their feet. This is about helping those vets that are down. They served our country and this is our way of giving back to them.”
With the support and encouragement of friends new and old, Wickes created awareness of the issue of homelessness among veterans across the state. He says his military service, as a sergeant in Vietnam, gave him a deeper understanding and appreciation for others who have served.