Wicker and Wilde love to share stories that make you feel good. And it's even better when the story is home grown.
A homeless retired Army Sergeant who spent his time and money helping other veterans battling PTSD now has a home of his own. HeroHomes, a nonprofit, handed Vainuupo “AV” Avegalio the keys to a brand-new home in Purcellville, Virginia, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.
AV is a poet and visual artist who spends his time volunteering at correctional facilities and works with at-risk youth using his passion for art. According to HeroHomes, the vet was sleeping in his car while traveling across the country to help fellow veterans in need. He’s performed poetry readings all over the U.S. and recently made his on-screen debut in the HBO documentary, “We Are Not Done Yet.” Watch the trailer below.
“Military life was both a blessing and a curse,” Avegalio says. “It took me to places I could have only dreamed of growing up on the Samoan Islands.” He plans to use the basement of his new house as his art studio to continue his work helping others.
