The Foreign Service Journal, April 2021

52 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I also started a Facebook fundraiser page to raise money for the project that helps pay for the food I buy weekly; it also allowed me to purchase Father’s Day gifts for the veterans. They never ask for anything, but they have so little. I spend an hour a week just talking with them, listening for what they may need— I hear things like they only have two spoons and one fork in their rooms, or they don’t own a folding chair, or do not have a toaster. These are little things that I can find to make their world a better place, things we think nothing of picking up at Target for $20. So What? These folks could probably get by without you, people say and ask me why I keep going each week. I explain that it is only partially about the food; it is also about these veterans (my kids call them “vitamins”) knowing that someone cares enough to show up each week. Many of them haven’t seen their children in more than 20 years. Their wives are deceased. I do not go with an agenda. I simply go because one sweet gentleman said he was hungry, and it isn’t right. These men sac- rificed for our country, and we owe themmore respect than we give them. I cannot help them all, but for now Savannah, Leon- ard, Tadpole, Slim and I are forming a bond, and that matters. My kids will remember me helping these veterans. I will forever remember their stories and cherish the opportunity to have done something on a domestic tour that FSOs cannot do overseas. Why am I sharing this with you as fellow FSOs? Where’s the “so what?”—because that’s the important part, right? Here it is: At first I was floundering, trying to find people and a way to be productive here “at home” like I had been overseas, trying to feel like I was getting things done. Well, I have succeeded: I am help- ing Americans in America. The project gives sustenance directly to folks who are in dire need. But they are not the only beneficiaries. Those who donate each week are able to give back to the community in a way that they could not otherwise. Many are older and at high risk for COVID-19, so can’t volunteer or work in food banks; but they love bringing by groceries and seeing pictures of the veterans. I ammaking connections with so many amazing people in my community through this project. Moreover, I am the first and only FSO most of these people will ever meet, so I’m able to educate people at a grassroots level about the work we do over- seas. I am also doing something we cannot do as freely overseas, which is volunteering and helping others within my community without worrying about a public affairs angle or regional security concerns. I never imagined that a random chat on Facebook while watching Netflix back home in America would change my life, but it has. I believe that if one is open to such moments, they can change the course of one’s life—perhaps briefly, or perhaps forever. This moment has already changed mine forever. Thanks to Mr. Henderson “Savannah” Sims telling me he was hungry, I am doing something that heals my heart, renews my faith in the generous spirit of Americans, and helps a piece of America in my small corner of South Carolina. n I simply go because one sweet gentleman said he was hungry, and it isn’t right. These men sacrificed for our country, and we owe themmore respect than we give them. Stocks fill the author’s garage; the food boxes are staged for packing and delivery on Saturday morning. COURTESYOFKIMHARMON