Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be difficult, and that is especially true for wounded soldiers. Now, a Virginia woman who has a history of helping those who need it most is turning her attention toward veterans. Betty Tyson, 78, is working on refurbishing a home to help wounded warriors who need a place to heal, according to The Free Lance-Star.
The home, located in Fredericksburg, has been a place of refuge for more than 40 years. Tyson and her family originally opened the home back in 1967 as a place for pregnant or homeless women who had nowhere else to turn. While the original use may not seem to have much in common with veterans, Tyson says that's not the case.
"They're all just people who need love and a home," she told the newspaper. "I have always had a heart for people in our society who are kind of forgotten."
The plans are in their early stages, and Tyson and a group of volunteers are still working on repairing the century-old home. However, her hope is that once vets move in, they can help with the repairs and perform other tasks.
The need for such assistance may become increasingly important in the coming years as many soldiers separate from service. Specifically, about 80,000 troops are expected to be cut from the Army, according to The Associated Press.