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Highlands Ranch Community comes together to help Army combat veteran living in Walmart parking lot

Facebook post sparked movement
Posted at 11:23 PM, Dec 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 01:23:39-05
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- A single post on a Facebook group called "Word of Mouth - Highlands Ranch" has turned into a movement to help an Army combat veteran in need.
 
David Brown has served three tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan but has fallen on hard times.
 
He's currently living in the parking lot of Walmart off C-470 and South Quebec Street in his RV with his girlfriend, Gwen.
 
Unable to afford gas or basic necessities, the couple has been struggling to stay warm and survive.
 
"I've never experienced anything like this before," said Brown.
 
On Monday, a fellow veteran who served with Brown in Iraq posted on the Facebook group and asked others to help provide him with extra blankets and toiletries.
 
"I'm one of a thousand," said Michelle Morley, who took the couple out for a warm meal and purchased them a generator.
 
"I can't even begin to explain; it makes it so that we have electricity. We can keep warm without worrying about open flames going all night," said Brown.
 
He said people have been stopping by his trailer to drop off food, gift cards, and toiletries since 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
 
"It's been none stop all day," said Brown.
 
Brown said he had reached the ranks of first sergeant in the Army before an injury caused him to be discharged.
 
"It's harder coming back than it is going to war," he said.
 
Brown has struggled with PTSD and depression since coming back and trying to adjust to civilian life.
 
"It's renewed my faith in people," he said.
 
Brown now hopes everyone will see the power in kindness, and help other veterans in need.
 
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help raise additional money for Brown. 

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