Connect Vets starts online fundraiser for local Gold Star mother for house renovation

PALMER — Angela Anderson lost her son 14 years ago when he was killed in action in Iraq.

She memorizes him every day as she drives around town. He truck features a memorial to her son that states, “In loving memory of Sgt. Kurtis Dean Kama-O-Apelila Arcala KIA 9-11-2205 Iraq We will never forget You.”

Anderson is a Gold Star mom. The term “Gold Star” is used for family members who’ve lost a loved one in military service.

Recently, Connect Vets started a GoFundMe campaign for Anderson to help her renovate her home. Two years ago, Anderson discovered water damage in her bathroom- so she took out a loan to renovate the bathroom.

“She has had extensive water damage to her home and needs our help. Let’s not forget what her family has done for us by helping her with her needs,” Robert Gordon Executive Director Connect Vets said.

Midway into demolition with her son Jason, they discovered severe damage hidden behind the walls. It was far worse than they expected and far more expensive than they were prepared for.

The loan money ran out and Jason has been chipping away at the renovation one small project at a time. It’s two years in and Anderson is still living without a functional kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom.

“It’s a pretty crappy situation,” Gordon said.

Funds raised from the campaign will go towards material cost. So far, 18 people from the community raised $1,615 of the $4,000 goal in the span of 14 days.

“It’s really awesome to see the community come around,” Gordon said.

Connect Vets is a local, faith-based nonprofit that works to support military members and military families. They focus on integrating veterans back into the general public through vocational skills training, mentorship programs, and transition services.

The group is based out of Palmer. Anderson’s fundraiser is one of their many ongoing projects around the community.

“It’s a great project to be a part of,” Gordon said.

Connect Vets partnered with United Way and Group Mission Trips to gather about 20 workers up from the Lower 48 to work on this project.

“These are laborers, but not experts in home renovation. We need people that can direct and help them accomplish their mission to restore Angela’s home,” Gordon said.

The goal is to finish before the snow hits, according to Gordon. He said they’re still seeking help from people with various levels of experience. There’s a contact form on the GoFundMe page.

For more information about the campaign, visit gofundme.com/f/robert039s-campaign-for-connect-vets

To learn more about Connect Vets, visit connectvetsak.org

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com