Near Ochelata, Oklahoma, longtime construction worker and Vietnam veteran Montie Barham is confronting a dire health and financial situation. In his memoir Angles on the Battlefield, Barham reflects on “angels”—ordinary people who have offered him help throughout his life.
Health challenges intensify
Barham, now dependent on supplemental oxygen and “down to one lung,” says his condition leaves him unable to move or work. “If I lost this home, you might as well just put me in the ground, it’ll kill me,” he warned, emphasizing the link between his health and housing stability.
Fundraising momentum grows
When Barham first shared his story, the GoFundMe campaign had gathered about $5,000. Community members, fellow veterans, and local supporters have since contributed, pushing the total to roughly $54,000. “I’m real grateful, it humbles me that so many have given far, you know,” Barham expressed.
Despite the outpouring, the campaign remains $139,000 short of the amount needed to secure a VA loan or refinance the home. Fellow veteran Alan Finch appealed for a lending institution to step in, stating, “Surely there is a bank that is willing to step in, some lending institution that can say, ‘Hey look can we get this guy a VA loan or VA refinance loan?’ We’re not dealing with any realtors; the man wants to stay in his house.”
Veteran community rallies
Esther Coker, another veteran who has assisted Barham, described the situation as a “snowball effect” with one issue after another. The deadline for securing additional assistance is set for December 1, adding urgency to the appeal.
Barham’s story underscores the broader challenges many veterans face when health issues intersect with housing insecurity. Local faith‑based groups and veteran organizations have been encouraged to broaden their support, as Barham noted, “Be prepared to broaden your beliefs in the roles of angels on earth, as you will be led through a biography that entails many twists and turns.”
How to help
Readers who wish to contribute can do so via the GoFundMe link provided in the original report. Community members are also urged to contact local banks or credit unions to explore VA loan options that could preserve Barham’s home.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
