Serving Our Local Heroes

If you had known Ryan and Ella, you would’ve said they were nice but a couple that kept to themselves. This quiet couple lived in Dearborn Heights for over 20 years. They were described as a quiet, never-rock-the-boat kind of couple. Many of their neighbors had not known them well. Of course, there had been the polite nods and friendly smiles they exchanged with neighbors, but that had been it.

What the neighbors hadn’t known was that Ryan and Ella had had a deep sense of loyalty and kindness towards those who had served in the military. They felt deeply toward those who had served to keep their community and country safe. Their passion had been to honor and serve veterans in particular. Very rarely had they let a weekend pass without dedicating their time and resources to the local heroes who had committed their lives for freedom.

Ryan and Ella used their home to plan their efforts to assist veterans. They took vets to doctor appointments, donated food and clothing, and listened to those who wanted companionship. This couple had given their understanding and empathy to all the vets they had come in contact with.

Even though this amazing couple was naturally reserved, they had an enormous impact on their veteran community. They might not have served themselves, but by their generosity, the vets and everyone in Dearborn Heights and the surrounding area enjoyed the sense of honor and community this couple helped foster. This sense of community helped others to want to volunteer and get to know each other like never before.

Because of Ryan and Ella’s generosity, the different veteran outreach programs in the Downriver area and Detroit became more popular. The camaraderie they inspired helped spread the many opportunities offered to veterans and those who wish to help.

This wonderful couple had wanted to avoid the spotlight, but this was not to be. Others looked to them for inspiration. The compassion and kindness they quietly spread became a phenomenon and has helped spread goodwill. They will be remembered for this awesome legacy and rightly so!

To volunteer in our local communities: https://www.voami.org/callsamkitchen, https://downriverforveterans.org/