Tri-State Army veteran named ‘Veteran of the Year’ by Goodwill support program

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - A Tri-State Army veteran, who overcame two years of homelessness, has been named “Veteran of the Year” by Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries’ veteran services program.

Stephen Wysong served in Germany in the 1970s. He later returned home to work at General Electric and in warehouse management roles.

After facing financial challenges, he experienced homelessness for two years, sleeping at campgrounds and other locations.

Earlier this year, Wysong spent five months at the Goodwill Veterans’ Dorm while he found an apartment in Indiana and stabilized his life.

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“When we intake a veteran into our program, there are multiple barriers to their housing success,” said Susie Skeens, director of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries. “So, it could be touched by the justice system, low or zero income, physical, or other debilitating conditions that they deal with.”

This week, program leaders named Wysong Veteran of the Year.

Honorees are nominated for exceptional work done or milestones reached in the program. Nominations are evaluated based on a variety of factors, including the veteran’s life story and their work with Goodwill to achieve success.

Wysong, who was unaware of such programs until informed by someone at a campground, now encourages others in similar situations to seek help.

The Goodwill program houses 15 homeless male veterans, providing shelter and wraparound social services.

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