Opening home to help vets

TYLER-There are thousands of disabled veterans struggling not only with the transition from war to civilian life, but also with getting the benefits they need. KETK's very own Lindsay Landry sat down with one woman who is trying to make a difference in veterans lives.

Debra Christain is on a mission. A project she started for her late father has now turned into a whole lot more. Mrs. Christain's father served 25 years in the military. Unfortunately a few years back he became ill due to being exposed to agent orange in Vietnam.

After seeing that the nursing home he was living in wasn't working out, she brought him home to live with her. But before she could finish the projects necessary to care for a disabled vet, he died.

But today her father's memory and what he stood for lives on through her.

"I always knew once I couldn't do it for him it made no sense to stop," Debra Christian said. "There's somebody out there that needs the same kind of help my father needed."

Today her home is being transformed into a transformed into a transition home where disabled veterans from our current war can come and heal. Four veterans will live there with Mrs. Christian.

Everything from a warm meal, to transportation to and from the veterans hospital for care, to even counseling will be provided.

Though it's still not complete, each veteran will have there own private suite complete with a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. A game room and kitchen is also being built.

Though she's gotten a few donations from the community, Mrs. Christian has spent her life savings turning her home into a place that will help disabled veterans.

Though money's tight right now, she is determined to make her dream come true. To help those who have helped us.

Mrs. Christian said they still have a lot more to do before they can start moving in the veterans.

If you would like to help Mrs. Christian you can call (903) 372-2652 or e-mail her at debrachristian5554@sbcglobal.net [1].