 |
| Charles with new bike provided for by HVAF |
Charles has always known that he wanted to travel the
world. That was the main reason he joined and served the U.S. Navy from 1979 –
1983. Spain and Greece were some of his favorite locations, but he enjoyed
being able to travel in general. Charles held a job in navigation on Aircraft Carrier,
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during his time in the Navy. Charles finished his
service in 1983 and things were going well for him - until 2002.
His heart problems began 15 years ago. He went to the
doctor and was informed that he had two silent heart attacks. Shortly after, he
had his first major heart attack. Charles has since had seven bypass surgeries
and can no long work. He went from having a steady job and paycheck to
virtually nothing. He now barely survives on disability. After being unable to
work, he lost his wife, car, and eventually everything else. Charles managed to
scrape enough money to afford a trailer. However, the trailer was in bad
condition and the pipes were breaking from rust. Enough was enough for Charles.
