Veterans come to aid of fellow Marine

Published with permission by The Cullman Times
 
By David Palmer
The Cullman Times
Trent Winstead served his country in perhaps the world’s most dangerous location, Afghanistan. As a lance corporal in the Marine Corps, the Cullman County native served three and a half years of active duty. He returned home and took a medical retirement because of a wound that left him without a leg.
Nonetheless, Winstead has spent his time back home working to make ends meet but not without difficulties. His car constantly broke down, making it difficult to work and he was wanting to continue his education.
Through the cooperative effort of the Marine Corps League, Soldier’s Heart Ministry and the locally based Saving Forgotten Warriors, as well as Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Winstead now has a Chevy Tahoe to ensure he can get to work consistently and soon enjoy the benefit of a scholarship to Wallace State Community College. The presentation of the vehicle was made Thursday at Mitch Smith Chevrolet.
“This is Marines helping Marines,” said John O’Malley, a member of the Marine Corps League. “We try to help them or their families whether it’s a vehicle or scholarship or something that is need to help them get on their feet again after serving their country.”
Winstead said he also intends to use the Tahoe to help others in need.
“I haven’t had a vehicle in years that didn’t die somewhere on (U.S.) 31 or 278,” Winstead said.
Retired Marine Sgt. Jeremy Hogan, a Cullman resident and founder of Saving Forgotten Warriors, said the nonprofit organization has discovered a wide range of needs among veterans.
Saving Forgotten Warriors can be found at savingforgottenwarriors. com or by calling 256.708.2334.