Woman Raises over $394K for Homeless Veteran who Came to Her Aid

By Debbie Gregory.

The night that Kate McClure ran out of gas could have been a really awful night. Instead, it became a lesson is generosity, kindness, and selflessness.

“My heart was beating out of my chest. I didn’t know what the heck to do,” said McClure.

She called her boyfriend, Mark D’Amico, who told her that he would come and get her.

Johnny Bobbitt, a 34-year-old homeless veteran witnessed Kate’s misfortune. He told her to get back in the car and lock the doors. A few minutes later, the former Marine returned with a red gas can, paid for with his last $20.

Wanting to repay him for his kindness, she provided Bobbitt with a few things to help keep him warm. She also started a GoFundMe page to share the story and raise funds for him. Hoping to raise $10,000 to help Bobbitt get into an apartment, as of this writing, the GoFundMe account stands at over $394K, with more than 14,000 contributors.

Change of plans: instead of an apartment, Bobbitt will get a home of his own. He will also purchase the truck he’s always wanted… a 1999 Ford Ranger.

In order to protect the funds, two trusts will be set up in his name, one that will pay him a living allowance for each year, and a retirement trust that will be carefully invested by a financial planner. Bobbitt will also have a bank account for every day needs.

Bobbitt wants to pay this good fortune forward, and will be donating to a few organizations and people who have helped him get through this rough patch in his life.

On the GoFundMe page, McClure wrote, “I wish that I could do more for this selfless man, who went out of his way just to help me that day. He is such a great guy, and talking to him each time I see him makes me want to help him more and more.”

If you have a story of helping a veteran, we invite you to share it with us. If you don’t, it’s never too late to write one.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.