Michigan veteran finds fresh start with VOA Michigan

All right, today's Make Camo Your Cause story focuses on the struggles veterans have adjusting to life after service. One or two decisions could lead to homelessness. Fox 2's Brandon Hudson shares the story of Derek Williams, an Army vet who's getting his smile back with help from VOA Michigan. Here in Michigan we had to go to Selfridge Air Force Base and go use their welding machines when I was in the National Guard. You were in the Army for how long? 21 years. 21 years? What did you do? I was a welder mainly. I did six years active duty and then the rest of my time was in the National Guard. Take me back to when you had You felt like you had no choice and you said you had to go to the shelter. Living with somebody and then I just went directly into the shelter, you know, instead of continuing to try to live with people. He was very reserved when he came to me two years ago. He came to me when I started VOA, so he was like one of my first veterans. What does it mean for you to make an impact in these veterans lives? A huge impact. Because I'm a veteran myself, so I understand veterans. When I got out, I had no idea of any of these programs. I wasn't told about any of these programs when I got out. So to have this knowledge and these resources and to give back, it's like paying it forward to other veterans. I take pride in that. If I get them to smile, then that's what we should be talking about. A smile goes a long way. A smile goes a long way. When you got the keys to your apartment, What was that day like for you? It was wonderful. It was really nice. I hadn't had my own place for a few years. How did it feel sleeping in your own bed? That's even better. To know there was an organization like the VOA Michigan that's here to help protect you, what's been that feeling like? It's been nice. I really enjoyed all the help they provided for me. You know, every time I come here, it's somebody out there that's wanting to help. All week, Fox 2 is sharing stories like that one. Veterans, as part of Fox's Make Camel Your Cause series. You can take out your phone. You can scan this QR code for more information and get involved. You can also get some pretty cool gear to support the cause. You can watch all of our stories, learn more about how you can help make a difference for our veterans. On our website, it's fox2detroit.com. On social media, use the hashtag HonorUSVets.