Bob Silveria - Addy WA

Seattle veteran Bob Silveria says his experience in Vietnam almost killed him years after he came home. He says he spent many years in pain from the horrors of war.

These days Bob spends his time searching for other veterans who need help quieting the inner wars. Bob is with Point Man Ministries, a Christian veteran's group that reaches out to veterans. "We're hurtin' vets that have found some peace we just want to share; just say 'Hi and Welcome home,'" he said. "A lot of Vietnam vets have never heard that from anybody - Welcome home and thank you."

This past summer, Bob and fellow vets went into the Okanogan area and set up camp, hoping to attract those who live isolated in the hills. "We understand them, because we are them," he said. "They are our brothers, they're our sisters and my heart is to see them get healed."

On any given night, 6000 veterans are homeless in Washington State, according to Federal Veterans Affairs statistics. While some might live on the streets in and around Seattle, more than half are in Eastern Washington. Veterans Affairs workers say a large number of those live alone in remote areas.

No one who came into the Point Man encampment was asked to prove he or she was a veteran. Everyone was welcome to the food, the donated clothes, and the fellowship.

One man began to cry as he was welcomed at the camp. He says he's a veteran who lives in a large tent in the Okanogan hills. He says the outreach means a lot to those who have lived isolated for so long. "It gives you hope," he said. "The best word I can say is hope."

Reported by KOMO 4 News TV of Seattle WA.

10 Nov. 1999

EMAIL Bob

Point Man International Ministries
PO Box 267
Spring Brook NY 14140
(716) 675-5552
(716) 675-5552 - FAX
(800) 877-VETS - Hotline

You are visitor # Counter

since 7/31/98