TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Inside the Veteran Rescue Mission's thrift store, you’ll find Jon McLane working to make a difference.
"I was homeless and I just want to give them a glimpse of hope," said McLane.
McLane started the mission in 20-17.
“We have a homeless Veterans transition center that's housed over 300 people over the past four years, and, and as people's rent of sorts, they all take a shift at the store once a week," he said.
Veterans like Leland McKirryher. He served in the Army for 18 years and is now benefiting from the organization.
“Pastor john actually saved my life,” said McKirryher. “I kick heroin and meth. I'm coming on nine months clean.”
After breaking the chains of his addiction, he’s working and has goals for the future.
“I would like to continue with this store. I've also want to become a mental health technician,” he said.
Pastor McLane said the mission has helped 300 veterans, but he knows there is more to help, especially with the ending of America's longest war.
"Coming from being an Iraqi combat veteran and being directly involved with this war [and] having a tough time recovering from that-- being homeless for many years," he explained.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks are why McLane served.
“I said I'm not going to join the military. I have no interest in that. I can do better but after 9/11 I saw what responsibility and what duty, and what I really had to do,” he recalled.
Both veterans make it clear there is help and McKirryher leaves those timid with this advice.
“You can't do it on your own,” he said.
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