Christmas Comes Early for Local Veteran

December 13 – North Charleston – Christmas came early for Navy veteran Curtis Bryant this year, as Palmetto Warrior Connection presented a donated Toyota Solaris to the former naval engineer. While the car promises to help him down the road to success, Bryant’s life since leaving the Navy has been anything but joyous.

After his discharge from the US Navy, Bryant had several jobs before life took a turn for the worse. Poor decisions resulted in his being incarcerated. Bryant was released in July of 2019 with nothing but the clothes on his back and quickly became homeless here in the Charleston area. Working with One80 Place and Veterans Affairs, Bryant eventually moved through the transitional housing pipeline and into a rental apartment.

He engaged with Palmetto Warrior Connection (PWC) in August of 2019 and enrolled in the Veterans for Manufacturing (VFM) course in September. Upon completion of the course Bryant had several job opportunities in the manufacturing arena, but was unable to take advantage of those opportunities due to his not having a driver’s license or car. Palmetto Warrior Connection Executive Director Jermaine Husser commented, “Mr. Bryant needed, and deserved, a second chance. He has a great attitude and is focused on making a success out of his life. This vehicle will be a tremendous boost towards achieving self-sustainability as he moves into a long term career.”

Currently, Bryant is employed by the VA in the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program, which is a temporary work transition program for struggling Veterans trying to get back in the work place. With his manufacturing training and new car he sees a bright future. “I’m so blessed,” stated Mr. Bryant. “I can’t thank Palmetto Warrior Connection and the entire Goodwill family enough for everything they’ve done for me. This is a Christmas I’ll never forget.”

PWC and Goodwill wish Curtis Bryant all the best and look forward to continuing to support him on his journey.

Palmetto Warrior Connection is the veteran services arm of Palmetto Goodwill. Its mission is to help veterans transition to civilian life by providing comprehensive wrap-around support, including housing assistance, job training and employment services.