Sacramento Homeless Veterans Continue Their Fight On The Streets

SACRAMENTO (CSB13) — Standing in the rank and file waiting for help on Veterans Day was Gary Holloman. The former Marine isn't ashamed to let people know that he's homeless and he served proudly.

"I served in the first Persian Gulf War in the 80s," he said.

Like many veterans at Loaves and Fishes on Tuesday, Holloman was discharged honorably, but fell on hard times. Adjusting to civilian life took its toll.

That's where Loaves and Fishes steps in to provide food and shelter for the homeless and their families

Executive Director Sister Libby Fernandez says many of the homeless vets are still fighting in the trenches of substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Brain trauma. Just causes of war itself," she said.

Psychotherapist Tom Orrock says every veteran's case is different.

"I think sometimes we see veterans as damaged and we don't expect them to do much," he said.

But he believes some veterans can be assimilated back into society, if they're not treated as combat victims, but rather as valuable assets with a wealth of leadership and problem-solving experience.

"We have to challenge them," Orrock said. "In other words their new mission is to come back here to the United States or their families and be mentally strong."

Holloman and his fellow homeless veterans say the holiday reaffirms that they aren't just nameless shadows walking the streets. They are real people who are still considered honorable.

"We served in the military and they put a day aside for us," he said.

A recent City of Sacramento report states more than 200 of the 2,500-plus veterans in the city are veterans.