Jerry served in the military for fifteen years in the infantry with a focus on nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare. Despite that intense background, he says most people would never guess, just by looking at him, that he is one of the nicest guys they might meet. Jerry describes himself as very chill and laid-back. He truly enjoys talking with his neighbors and, honestly, anyone who is willing to have a conversation.
These days, Jerry spends much of his time at CISS helping in the food pantry. He takes pride in stepping in and opening the pantry on days when no other volunteers are available. Helping his peers and community brings him a deep sense of peace, especially knowing that people’s basic needs are being met and that they have access to food when they need it.
Jerry’s greatest accomplishment, and what he is most proud of, is his daughters. He smiles when he talks about the days they played hooky together and spent time just hanging out. He jokes that he hopes his daughter never takes him to Hobby Lobby again, a memory shared with humor and affection. His daughters, along with his grandkids, changed his life. They helped him see things differently and motivated him to turn his life around after making what he calls some dumb decisions.
If Jerry’s life were a movie, he would call it Dumb and Dumber. He says this with honesty and humor, acknowledging past mistakes while recognizing the growth that followed. He also shares that he wishes he had more time with his children when they were younger, a reflection that speaks to his love and ongoing commitment to family.
Jerry says he feels happy and comfortable with where life is right now. He is grateful to have a place where he can stay and take the time he needs to work on his mental health, something he considers very important. Friendship matters deeply to him in this stage of life. Having people he trusts around keeps him grounded and helps him make better decisions when he needs guidance.
He also expresses strong appreciation for the VA, saying they go above and beyond in their support, something he does not take for granted. Above all, Jerry wants people to remember that he is always happy and that he tries his best to make sure everyone around him feels happy too.
