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27
Changing Lives One Veteran At a Time
If you ask Kim Gould, she'd probably say she isn't a hero, she just works with them. Kim, a Moline agent, works full-time as the Executive Director for the Iowa Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (Iowa PVA). As the Executive Director, Kim coordinates events and fundraising for the chapter. Her job is not always easy, as the organization relies solely on private donations and grants. Membership in Iowa PVA is free, and consists of veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have suffered a spinal cord injury or received a diagnosis of disease affecting the spinal cord. However, all events hosted by the Iowa PVA are open to any veteran. These events are also co-hosted by organizations like the Disabled American Veterans of Iowa and the Iowa Veterans Home. One of the most recent examples is the Fishing Trip taken to Minnesota. "We had one veteran who was newly blind," Kim said of the group, "he wouldn't go anywhere without someone he trusted." Kim was sure she could get him to open up, so she offered to take the veteran out on the boat at 4 a.m. with his wife and physician. The group of four took their time, especially getting on the boat, and soon the veteran was comfortable enough to stand. At the end of the day, with fish in hand, the veteran smiled proudly for a photo, and Kim had changed another life. If you're interested in volunteering for the Iowa PVA or donating to the Iowa PVA, visit their website or Facebook pages.
