In honor of Veterans Day, we’re sharing the stories of some of the U.S. military veterans who call Plymouth home. Read about other Plymouth veteran: Joseph (here); Sam (here); and Bruce (here).

George served in the Airforce from 1969 to 1989.

After being a helicopter pilot in the Airforce for twenty years, including serving in Vietnam, George left active duty and joined the reserves. His favorite duty station was (perhaps unsurprisingly!) Hawai’i. After he left the reserves, George found a job as a building manager. Unfortunately he lost his job due to failing health and, soon after, he lost his housing as well. He got by living in a hotel until the King County Veterans Program connected him to a permanent home at Plymouth in 2016.

George has since reconnected with family, writing letters to those that don’t live in the Seattle area and visiting with those nearby on the weekends. George says that his Plymouth home got him “back on line.”

The King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, originally funded by voters in 2005, has helped over 3,000 veterans and other vulnerable individuals get the help they need, from housing to service connections. The services funded by the Levy have reduced jail time, emergency department use, shelter stays, and more, offsetting almost $8 million in public costs. Like Plymouth’s housing, this civic effort is both compassionate and cost-effective–and it has truly changed lives.