More than just a truck
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 15 years, 9 months AGO
<p>D. Kelly Bausch, a Vietnam War veteran, of Post Falls, recently received a 1988 Ford F150 pick up from ElderHelp of North Idaho.</p>
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | March 15, 2010 9:00 PM
COEUR d'ALENE - All of his assets were gone.
"All of them. I have nothing left to sell or pawn," wrote D. Kelly Bausch.
Which included pawning his 1996 Ford Van for $500 to try and keep up on bills and buy food.
Problem is, the Vietnam War veteran was running out of ways to get his wife to her dialysis treatments three times a week.
"Getting her there and picking her up is like a life necessary," Bausch said.
Enter ElderHelp of North Idaho.
The nonprofit recently received a 1998 Ford F150 with a canopy and tool box from a veteran, with instructions to give it to another veteran who could use it.
Bausch was that veteran.
"It's perfect for Kelly," said John Corcoran, ElderHelp's spokesman. "He needs this."
The 66-year-old Bausch and his 71-year-old wife, Allo, live in a trailer in Post Falls. Kelly is a cancer survivor and Allo suffers from numerous ailments, including a heart attack and aneurysms.
"She's a beautiful lady," Bausch said of his wife. "We've been married 33 years."
Kelly Bausch said they survived on Social Security and had just enough to get by until the IRS began taking $300 a month last year to settle a past tax problem.
"The letter was there one day and the money was gone," he said.
To meet financial obligations, Bausch gave up his van for a title loan, but couldn't come up with the money to get it back. That left them with no reliable way to get around.
A social worker recommended they turn to ElderHelp.
Bausch, who served on the U.S. Air Force base in Vietnam in 1964-65, called Corcoran, also a Vietnam War vet.
"He said, 'I think we can help you out,'" Bausch said.
He took possession of the truck on Monday.
"This was truly a godsend," he said. "It's a lifesaver to me and I am truly, truly, truly grateful."
Corcoran said there normally would have been a more extensive process - sending out a flier, reviewing applications - to find the right person to receive the truck. But Bausch's circumstances made it clear to ElderHelp and its board he should have it.
"You're the right guy for the truck," Corcoran told him. "We're delighted were able to give it to you."
Bausch was in a hurry to get home Monday morning. His wife hadn't seen the truck yet.
"She's probably wondering where I am," he said with a laugh. "She's in for a surprise."
ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Grassi, a longtime hunter and fisherman, started what was originally called “Let’s Go Fishing Ministry, Inc.” with a focus on outdoors, men and God. It was later changed to “Men’s Ministry Catalyst." The emphasis was on helping men understand their role as defined in the Bible.
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
The Young Family’s Foundation launched about a year ago with a mission "to empower young, hardworking families to achieve the dream of home ownership. Even if a family saved $25,000, they would still be $19,000 short of the down payment needed to buy a $550,000 home, which is the median price in Kootenai County. It’s estimated that only about 20% of area households can afford to buy a home.
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive