CHARLOTTE — When a fire broke out in Michael Ackermann’s Steele Creek home late last month, the navy veteran said his only priority was saving his dogs, which thankfully, he was able to do.
He says he lost everything including his clothes, furniture and irreplaceable memories.
The fire also destroyed his service dog’s belongings, making his road to recovery even more difficult.
“I said, ‘We have furniture. We have food, clothes, whatever you need,’” said Fostoria Pierson, the president of Blue Star Mothers of Charlotte NC-15 Chapter. “And that’s how I decided, ‘cause he was a veteran in need.”
Pierson told Channel 9’s Erika Jackson she met Ackermann at the VA. She says Blue Star Mothers collected furniture.
The U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame took him on a shopping spree, and veteran-owned Ranger Construction stored everything while Ackermann was living in a hotel.
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“It shows their patriotism. It shows their collaboration, and it shows that these agencies that stepped up to help, that they have a love and support for our veterans,” said Pierson.
Veteran Harry Woods spent the hot morning lifting heavy furniture to deliver to Ackermann’s new rental home, and for that, Ackermann says he’s beyond grateful.
“They are a real godsend,” Ackermann said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Blue Star Mothers of North Carolina told Channel 9 they need storage containers and delivery trucks to help veterans like Ackermann.
If you’d like to help, you can contact the nonprofit at (704) 352-0313 or president.nc15@bluestarmothers.us.