explore the land and culture of the USA

“I was born right here in New Orleans. Had four sisters. The most difficult part in life was getting into the bathroom. I could never get into the bathroom ‘cause all my sisters would be in there. So I’d get up early before them and then they’d knock on the door and wait for me! So when I was in junior high and senior high school, I’d get to school for 6:30 in the morning, and that’s when I’d do my homework. I was able to get in the building because I’d get there when the janitors and the cafeteria ladies would get there. Most of the time, I’d get some hot bread or something. I loved school. I went to school a half day my junior and senior year, and I worked in the afternoon.

I went to Iraq during Desert Storm, in field artillery. Guns.

I’m surviving now. it’s ups and downs. I was living on the street, but they got me VASH housing through the VA and I’m working toward keeping it. I was at the rehabilitation center, and after I left there I went to work for St. Bernard Project. It was the end of my term - I did three terms - and I haven’t had a job since.

Two hours is the longest I stand out here. Sanity is communicating. That’s one of our skills that’s easy. One guy said, 'Why should I give my hard-earned money to you?’ I said 'That’s your money! I’m not asking you to give your money. Just talk to me. Have a conversation with me - make me feel good. Don’t use negative ways. Spread a little knowledge.'”

"If there was one thing that you’d want a bunch of strangers to know about you, what would it be?”

#thankyou those who serve for our country. #veteransday the line work is to be added soon. #wip