POPLAR BLUFF, MO. (WSIL) -- The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is reaching veterans who need its services such as a mobile food pantry for those who are unable to come to the facility during the pandemic.
One of the veterans that relies on the food pantry is William Bazzell, who lives just outside of city limits.
"It's been one of the biggest helps for me," he explains. "Not having to worry whether I'm going to eat decently."
Bazzell dropped out of high school in 1974 to join the Marine Corps, leaving his small town behind for the first as the military branch sent him to San Diego County.
After his basic training, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton doing his part to acclimate Vietnamese who left their country as refugees.
"We wanted to help, and they were appreciative for the fact that we were offering as many things as we could do them," he remembers.
That included housing, medical and food. Some of the things Bazzell now relies on the for.
He's not alone as VA staff volunteer each month to deliver food to 50 vets who are low-income or at-risk of contracting COVID-19 if they go into public.
One volunteer is Wes Gautreaux, who says he and other staff, meet early at the VA on delivery day.
They unload food delivered on a large truck from the , bag up the items, and put them in cars. That way volunteers can start on their delivery routes.
Gautreaux says routes vary for each volunteer but can take up to seven hours, "Anywhere from Cape Girardeau, Missouri down to Paragould, Arkansas."
Gautreaux, who is a mental health social worker, is also a veteran himself. He served 11 years in the army, including multiple deployments in the Middle East.
"We kept the roads clear of IEDs for logistic convoys, so that way we could move supplies," he recalls about his time in Afghanistan. "I think it taught me a lot of life lessons on being grateful for the things that I do have."
A social worker helped Gautreaux adapt back to civilian life paving the way for his career, so delivering meals to these veterans every month is a natural fit.
"Veterans are very thankful that someone is looking out for them in this time of need," he explains about his experience.
When News 3 joined Gautreaux, Bazzell was patiently waiting for his food.
The Marine Corp veteran says the delivery is a big help to him since he doesn't get out much, but it's also the type of food that matters to him.
"It's a variety of vegetables, fresh fruits and things that really help me out," Bazzell adds. "A diet on my own would consist of a lot more potato chips and crackers."
Although each food delivery, once a month, does come with one sweet moment. Two veterans taking the time to bond with each other.
October will mark five months that volunteers have been delivering food to Bazzell and the other 49 veterans who need the mobile food pantry.
However, this program does rely on donations, which are running low.
The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center buys food items for a discount from the SEMO food bank. It costs $250 a month to feed all 50 veterans in the program.
Those interested in helping to support the cause can contact the VA's Voluntary Services Office and ask for Dale Garrett at (573) 778-4275.
