Near Ochelata, Oklahoma, longtime resident and Vietnam veteran Montie Barham, 75, faces the loss of the home he has lived in for two decades. After a series of financial setbacks that began with an IRS seizure of his construction equipment, Barham’s mortgage is in default and the property is slated for sale within the next 30 days.
Veteran’s service and current hardship
Barham spent more than 50 years working as a construction laborer, building homes and infrastructure across the state. He served his country with distinction, earning two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and an Air Medal for actions that saved his platoon during combat. Despite his dedication, the veteran now worries that he could become homeless.
“Hate to think I’d be homeless,” Barham said, holding an egg basket and an oxygen can after collecting eggs from his flock – one of the few carefree moments he can still enjoy.
Family and friends step up
Esther Coker, a family friend and fellow veteran who has known the Barhams since she was a child, is leading the effort to keep the home. “At this point the only way to help Montie keep his home is to pay the mortgage in full,” Coker explained.
Coker has created a GoFundMe page with a goal of $193,000, the amount needed to satisfy the mortgage and halt the foreclosure. She urges the community and anyone who can contribute to help the veteran who gave so much for his country.
Why the foreclosure happened
According to Barham, the trouble began when the Internal Revenue Service seized his construction equipment, effectively destroying his livelihood and the jobs of his employees. “The IRS comes and takes all my equipment, ruins all my employees,” he said.
Without the tools to work, Barham fell behind on his mortgage payments. The situation snowballed, leading to the current threat of losing his home.
Community response
Local residents have expressed sympathy for Barham’s plight, recognizing both his military service and his long‑standing contribution to the area’s workforce. Many have shared the GoFundMe link on social media and in community groups, hoping to reach the fundraising target before the foreclosure deadline.
“They dealt with the situation the best they could for quite some time; it’s had a snowball effect and just one issue after the other,” Coker said.
How to help
Donations can be made directly through the GoFundMe campaign, which provides updates on the fundraising progress and details on how the funds will be applied to the mortgage. Even small contributions are welcomed, as the goal is to collectively prevent the loss of a home that has been a fixture in the community for 20 years.
Barham admits asking for help is difficult for him. “I didn’t really want to ask for this, for people to help me,” he said, but he hopes the outpouring of support will allow him to stay in his home and continue his modest farming activities.
Looking ahead
If the campaign reaches its target, Barham will be able to clear the mortgage and avoid the sale of his property. The community’s effort underscores the value placed on honoring veterans and supporting neighbors in times of need.
For those interested in contributing, the GoFundMe page is titled “Help Montie Barham Keep His Home” and can be accessed online. The deadline for the fundraiser aligns with the 30‑day foreclosure window, making timely donations crucial.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
