Keep a Veteran's Home on Wheels Moving

My story begins several years ago. I was an honorably discharged veteran of the Global War on Terror, struggling to stay on top of things in the only jobs I could get taken seriously for: security work. Then came 2020 and the chaos.

When the museum I was working at closed for the pandemic, I had to decide if I'd stay where I lived and accrue rent debt, or figure something else out. That other option was to move into the motorhome I'd purchased for going camping with my son. My 80% VA disability compensation was enough to keep food in the refrigerator and gas in the tank. I soon found myself supplementing my benefits with work at Renaissance Faires to pay off debts.

The nomadic life suited me, and I set out to explore more of the country.

Things came together for me. I established a reputation as a reliable and diligent worker and climbed the ranks at the festivals. New opportunities opened.

But this year, the other shoe dropped.

I was on my way to Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas, for the upcoming season. As I approached Abilene, my engine began getting louder. The oil pressure dropped off, the warning light came on, and then the engine threw a rod, all before I could reach the next exit. I was now stranded on the side of the road.

That night and the following day, I got towed the final 200 miles by a wrecker service. That was a $1700 bill that exhausted my savings and available credit.

I've found a shop nearby that can replace the engine, and I'm waiting for a quote. What I know so far is a remanufactured 6.8L Ford Triton V10 costs around $5600. Labor will cost about another $3000.

I'm safely at Scarborough now for work. Your help now can make sure I can safely continue down the road when the time comes to leave in June. Without my motorhome, I will be fully without housing and have very few options. I'm asking for the cost of the part at this time; I am working to cover the rest.