Couple makes sure No Vet Left Behind

Derby (WTNH) - The Stars and Stripes thrift shop just opened on Elizabeth Street, but the mission of helping veterans started years ago for Mary and George Porter.

"When we got home from the military, my husband and I, in 2000, and with 9/11, we were very upset and said I'm not going to make a veteran go though that ever again," Mary Porter said.

They both served in the Army, and they both had issues with the Army and became experts in veterans bureaucracy. So they formed a group "No Vet Left Behind" and started helping others.

"We had a couple in yesterday, they were so in need, they're going to be homeless in a week," George Porter said. "No one told them in the program that he's in, he possibly can get a voucher for a hotel until I can help him find somewhere to live."

What they find for most people who get out of the military is that while they're in the service, someone's giving them orders, and they're relying on training. When they're in civilian life, no one's giving them orders anymore and no one is training them how to get what they're entitled to from the government.

Bill Dipiro served, but did not know he was eligible for VA benefits.

"As a result, you were very sick?"
"Death's door," Dipiro said. "I was gray, I was very sick because I couldn't afford insurance."

Then he met Mary and George. They helped him fill out the paperwork.

"I got medical benefits now," he said. "I'm in good shape."

"For our soldiers and our veterans, we've got to let them know that we're not forgotten, they're not forgotten, I'm not forgotten," Mary said.

The new thrift store will help raise money to help veterans. If they need clothes, they can get clothes. If they're hungry, there's a food pantry in the back. Mary dedicated the store to her father, and to the idea that people who help defend their country, deserve a little help in return.

The No Vet Left Behind food drive will be held Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Catholic War Veterans Post at 112 Derby Avenue, Derby, CT.

Stars and Stripes is open 7 days a week.

For more information on the Porter's group "No Vet Left Behind" visit www.thenovetleftbehind.org.