Woman sees 90-year-old veteran pushing carts to make ends meet, raises fund to help him retire

On Memorial Day, a 90-year-old Air Force veteran was seen working as a cart pusher at a store.

This led to a GoFundMe page being created to assist him financially, as he works to make ends meet.

Karen Swensen, a former WWL news anchor, spotted him and wanted to help by spreading his story.

Later that day, she went on YouTube and shared a video of Dillon McCormick, the Air Force veteran, gathering and moving shopping carts, even in extremely hot weather.

She described how he handled more than twenty carts at once and how some people lent a hand.

“Mr. Dillon McCormick pulled and pushed his way through the maze of cars. I watched a few others help him and thought the best way I might help would be to share his story,” she said.

The veteran, Dillon McCormick, explained that he works because he needs money to live, despite receiving only $1,100 from Social Security, while he estimates he needs $2,500 each month to cover expenses.

Karen described the veteran as having a kind smile and a great attitude, appreciating his job, and demonstrating a strong work ethic.

She also noted that his mom lived to be 104 and his grandmother was an Irish immigrant who came to America as an indentured servant.

Karen added that despite not being afraid of hard work, the veteran is tired, hungry, and frustrated.

Karen launched a GoFundMe for the Air Force veteran on Monday and the donations have soared past $230,000 as of writing.

“He is a veteran of the United States Military. It’s Memorial Day. It’s hot. Mr. McCormick was born in 1933, making him a part of the Silent Generation. Please, America, let us be his voice. We can do this. No donation is too small. If we could raise even enough for him to retire for a year, it’s something. Thank you!” Karen wrote on GoFundMe.

She increased the goal from $35k to $200,000, explaining that it would help him retire comfortably.

Swensen thanked everyone for their support, expressing gratitude for surpassing $220,000 in just 24 hours.

She highlighted that the Air Force veteran won’t have to work in extreme conditions anymore and can live comfortably.

U.S. veterans and food insecurity

A USDA Economic Research Service report discovered that 11.1 percent of veterans aged 18 to 64 live in households with food shortages, according to Food Research & Action Center.

Even after considering factors like age and income, veterans are 7.4 percent more likely to experience food insecurity compared to non-veterans in the same age range.

Some veterans are at a higher risk of not having enough food.

Research by Pooler et al found that 22.5 percent of veterans with low incomes, such as those earning less than twice the federal poverty level, experienced food insecurity.

This was particularly common among veterans under 65, unemployed, in poor health, or dealing with serious mental distress.

A study conducted by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration revealed that food insecurity rates were higher among veterans facing health issues and past traumas.

It also indicated that veterans of color and women veterans were more prone to experiencing food insecurity.

Veterans may face food insecurity due to factors like limited education and job opportunities resulting from military service or disabilities.

Combat-experienced veterans are especially prone to health issues, leading to higher medical expenses.

Federal nutrition programs play a crucial role in reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and fostering better health and development.

Around 1.2 million veterans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to afford food, benefiting both their families and local economies.

However, many eligible veterans don’t access these programs due to obstacles such as a lack of awareness about SNAP, application difficulties, and social stigma.

Some veterans are reluctant to seek assistance from food banks or charities, preferring to manage on their own, as research suggests.

Watch as former WWL anchor Karen Swensen as she shares the story of 90-year-old Air Force veteran Dillon McCormick:

You can still help Dillon through GoFundMe.