Inspiring
Unemployed Army Vet Puts Medal on eBay & Gets More Than He Ever Imagined (VIDEO)
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Bill Shephard served a year in Iraq, and when he returned two and a half years ago, he struggled to find a full-time job. He decided that the only solution was to start his own lawn care business, but he needed some money upfront to buy the gear. That's what prompted him to put one of his Army medals up for auction on eBay.
A news network in D.C. got wind of Bill's plight and aired his story. Within a few days, Bill got a bid on his medal. And it wasn't just any bid.
It was for $2,000.
Then the donations started pouring in. He received emails from generous people wanting to donate or buy him new lawn equipment. The support just seemed to roll in, and before he knew it, the bid for his medal on eBay was just above three grand.
And today, when bidding closed, the medal sold for $5,200.
This story is full of mixed emotions. On the one hand you feel a sense of hope for humanity after so many strangers stepped up to help a man in need, and on the other, you can't help but feel a little sad and angry that an Army vet with a college degree couldn't find a job and had to resort to selling what I assume to be a very meaningful possession.
Unfortunately, stories like Bill's are probably more common than we think -- veteran unemployment is around 12 percent while the national average is around 8 percent. Michelle Obama is doing her part to bring attention to the effort to help veterans in need, but it takes a village.
It's wonderful that Bill got the help he deserved and I wish the same for all vets in need. Their selflessness definitely warrants some in return.
Watch his story:
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CPN322
Wow, I'm so glad so many people that could help him wanted to.
Guest
All of these numbers are for May 2012
Overall, Veterans are doing better than non-veterans, with the exception of recently returning GWII vets. Likely a function of their age and civilian work experience.
VETERANS, 18 years and over,
Participation rate 63.6
Unemployment rate 5.8
Gulf War-era II veterans
Participation rate 66.2
Unemployment rate 12.7
Gulf War-era I veterans
Participation rate 79.2
Unemployment rate 4.1
World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam-era veterans
Participation rate 36.9
Unemployment rate 5.2
Veterans of other service periods
Participation rate 63.1
Unemployment rate 2.1
NONVETERANS, 18 years and over
Participation rate 58.9
Unemployment rate 7.5
The U6 unemployment rate, the "total" unemployment rate that includes those who's unemployment benefits have run out, who have "given up", etc. is an astounding 14.8%!
For an administration desperately seeking re-election, the participation rate number is the one easiest to "cook" (LIE about) (it is derived from a phone survey) and thus artificially lower the "official" unemployment rate. Currently the administration is claiming that number at an all time record high, thus creating the illusion of a lower "official" unemployment rate.
But do tell us again about how "Michelle Obama is doing her part", and recite those "it takes a village" platitudes...
Alice Kinnison
It is so sad when a vet has to sell his metals to be able to live. Do professional sport players sell there trophies to live?
Judy Capistrant
My husband is a vet, out of job, for the first time in his 40 years or working, had not unemployment, but kept on going, working three jobs, which are still not enough for our house payment, even with my early SS check. He would NEVER auction off his medals. Yes, they are things, but a part of him, really.
I am happy for this man. My husband also has a degree, plus many years of experience. It is tough for us all.
LainieJustin
It's a shame he couldn't keep his medal that he put his life on the line for.
Too bad the person who paid $5,200 for it didn't "donate" it back to the Vet!!
the3Rs
What would have been nicer is after the final bid was paid they let him keep his medal.
texasmamma777
Any possibility, Lindsay Mannering, that you could spare us the transparent shilling for Obama by writing "Michelle Obama is doing her part to bring attention to the effort to help veterans in need, but it takes a village."
Doing her part? Click on the link and you find that she made a one-time appearance on a t.v. show in Sept. 2011, almost 10 months ago! Do you think your readers are stupid?
And no it doesn't "take a village" (shades of Hillary Clinton -- we get it, another Democrat FLOTUS).
It's gonna' take a President who is capable of improving our economy and a Commander-In-Chief who truly cares about our military and our troops. Barack Obama is neither and America is going to retire him in November.
And it's too bad you couldn't highlight this veteran's story without including a raw political plug for the Obamas, and a very weak one at that.
BigBlue22
My company is very veteran friendly. We make a point to actively recruit and hire veterans, especially those returning from GWII. One thing that makes it very easy for us is that we have a very large force of armed security guards (around 150) and vets are well qualified for these positions. These are also well paid union positions, at around $56K with excellent benefits. It makes me very proud to work there.
Debra Denman
Stuart Burkhart