A veteran of the United States Army, Gilberto Fierros, age 91, was robbed at gunpoint of $7,000 in cash while filling up his gas tank in Arizona. Police promptly apprehended two suspects after the incident that occurred earlier this month in Surprise, Arizona.
Fortunate Turn of Events
Fierros was still unable to pay his day-to-day costs and medical expenditures. When he wasn’t looking, the crooks made off with his bag, which included the cash he’d withdrawn from the bank to cover his outlays.
Arizona Army vet, 91, is robbed of $7K cash while pumping gas. Now, his community is stepping in https://t.co/hql56TWbcu
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 20, 2023
Thankfully, Fierros’ loved ones have rallied behind him to help him get back on his feet after this terrifying ordeal. The Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance, a local charity, launched a campaign to benefit Fierros. To get him started, the group chipped in $500.
The local auto dealership where Fierros bought his damaged car from the robbers also offered to fix it for free. In his own words, dealership owner Randy Wiles wanted to assist Fierros because “he’s a veteran, he’s fought for his country, and he needs support.”
An amazing amount of people have shown their support for Fierros.
Many individuals made monetary contributions to the event. Many more have offered to help in other ways. To top it all off, someone even volunteered to foot Fierros’ rent for the next six months.
The outpouring of love and encouragement from his neighbors has left Fierros feeling deeply touched. He claimed he never anticipated such kindness from strangers. He appreciates their help tremendously.
Aiding Vets
Also, the event contributed to raising awareness about the growing problem of elder financial exploitation in the United States. According to the findings of the National Council on Aging, senior citizens lose $3 billion each year as a result of financial abuse and cons.
Arizona Army vet, 91, is robbed of $7K cash while pumping gas. Now, his community is stepping in https://t.co/yXlziQ8a6Z
— Donna Powell (@DonnaPoMFP) March 21, 2023
The story of Fierros proves there are still good people in the world who are willing to assist those who are in need of assistance.
Fierros stated he would soon be volunteering his time to assist the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance as a means of expressing his gratitude for the generosity extended to him.
The Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance is a charitable organization. It assists veterans who are without homes or who are in precarious situations by providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials.
Veterans who are looking for work, higher education, or medical care can make use of this resource as well.
The executive director of the organization, Patrick McAtee, used the situation with Fierros as an illustration of the sacrifices veterans make.
He stated it is really important to assist our veterans who are in the most fragile condition. He said they are happy to help Gilberto and other veterans in their time of need.
