Imagine returning from serving your country in a far more damaged state than when you left. You weren’t even injured physically yet you suffer some of the worst psychological torment in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and you’re expected to find a job. Some particularly crass people might even tell you to merely suck it up, since it’s “all in your head.” Things are a mess. Is this your reward for putting your life on the line?
Then you get a lifeline of sorts – a puppy who turns into a service dog. You name her Charlotte and she’s invaluable in helping to pinpoint when you might have a PTSD-related episode. But things are still tough on the employment front. Companies want to hire you, but they frown on Charlotte being on the premises. Then a manager in the Abilene, Texas, branch of Lowe’s found out about you and thought you… and Charlotte.. perfect to work there.
That’s what these videos, which tell the story of Clay Luthy, that Air Force vet, show. They tell the story of accepting the whole package of a person and what it takes to make them a whole human being.
So, we’re left with a situation where a person is given a chance despite long odds, and that should make everyone involved very proud of themselves. Perhaps this will open the door for similar situations at other stores. Given that we live in a very polarizing climate now, doing things like this can only lead to heartwarming stories like this.
I’ve got tell you – as one who truly appreciates what military vets did for us, I got a little misty-eyed when I saw these. Watch the videos and tell us how they made you feel. We want to hear from you!
