Editorial blog: Helping WWII veteran strong example of teamwork

A 90-year-old veteran of World War II should never have to live out of his car, which makes the quick action of Wichita police and other helpers last week so great to see.

Charles Johnson was living out of his car, which wasn’t working, in a repair shop’s parking lot while waiting for money at the end of the month to pay for the fixes. Peniston Automotive agreed to let him stay in the car in exchange for some yard work on the property.

Officer Robert Bachman found Johnson in 90-degree weather and contacted the police department’s Homeless Outreach Team. The team’s leader, officer Nate Schwiethale, said he’d never seen an older homeless man in the city.

That’s when others came to help. The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center treated Johnson’s minor ailments for four days. Passageways, a three-year-old organization that provides food and home living for veterans, took him in, and he’s living in a home with his own bedroom.

Meanwhile, his car is fixed with parts paid for by others and labor provided by Peniston Automotive. Passageways’ Jennifer Garrison said the Salvation Army and VA will help him find an apartment, which Passageways will furnish.

That’s at least five organizations, plus private donors, coming to the aid of a World War II veteran. All should be commended for their quick and unselfish work.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Editorial blog: Helping WWII veteran strong example of teamwork."