Bernice VFW Gifts Mobile Home To Veteran Who Lost House To Fire

The VFW in Bernice, on Grand Lake, said it's giving a mobile home to a 62-year-old veteran who lost everything last year in a fire. The commander said the only problem is, it’s going to be costly to move the home to Mounds, so they’re asking for help. 

Keith Kastner is a disabled the United States Marine Corps veteran who was shocked when the VFW called to tell him they've found him a new home. Kastner said his house was destroyed by a fire last January and he’s been picking up the pieces ever since. 

"What else can I do? Got to rebuild,” Kastner said. 

He suffers from PTSD and said all he wants is a peaceful place to rest. Kastner's been living in a shack, showering at his neighbor's when he can, and getting creative with how he cooks and cleans. 

"I've been struggling. It's alright though. It's nice. Better than living under a bridge,” Kastner said. 

Danny Chronister donated two trailers to the VFW in Bernice. One of them, he said went to a female veteran who lost her home to a fire in Jay. He said the other one, everyone agrees, should go to Kastner. 

"My dad is pretty ecstatic too. He's 94, still alive,” said Chronister. “This was his trailer and he served in WWII so to get it to go to a veteran in need is very good." 

The VFW in Bernice and Grove have been working together to help make this possible and said it’ll cost $5000 to move the trailer to mounds. They said they only have 10 days to raise the money because there are plans for the land the home is currently sitting on. 

"We've had a maximum of four people out here at any given time to take the roofs off, to strip decks off, to come around and pick up all the debris,” said Robert Lint, commander of VFW Post 8380 in Grove. 

Commander Danny Medley is calling on the community to donate on the VFW, Department of Oklahoma's website, and help a man, who fought for our freedom. 

"It's all been about helping everybody else. Not themselves. So now it's our turn to turn around and try to give back,” said Medley, commander of VFW Post 2592 in Bernice. 

Kastner said he's waited a year and he can wait a little longer. 

Stacy Redding with the VFW, Department of Oklahoma said he hopes they can raise the funds in time to bring Kastner's home, home.

To reach the VFW in Oklahoma and donate, click here.  or visit the Delaware County VFW Facebook page