"Homeless American Veteran" Denmark Hill Station

[EDmummy]

Saw this guy briefly whilst travelling through on the bus. Anyone know his story/how he's ended up in South East London down on his uppers? Wish I'd got off to talk to him and find out if he is aware of help he can get.

[Jennys]

I have seen him there weeks ago. Very loud voice. Surely the US Embassy could help him.

[KrackersMaracas]

Yes, I have seen him a number of times. The first several months ago - I gave him some money, I've wondered a few times since about whether he was visiting a friend in the hospital, or sleeping rough and getting help from the Salvation Army. I've seen him on/off, perhaps every other week since. I wonder how he has ended up here - it's so odd that I have questioned whether it is genuine or just a story for passers by.

[jimlad48]

He was back tonight - its an odd thing. There are support mechanisms in place for real veterans, and its worth noting that in the US a lot of people claim to be veterans to help beg cash.

[kibris]

I saw this man and showed him the way to the US Embassy and said to him tell them that 'TRUMP has sent him'to get cash

[EDmummy]

There are limited support mechanisms for veterans in both the UK and US. Veterans make up a not insignificant proportion of homeless people. I'm more curious how he's ended up in the UK (if indeed genuine US veteran). He was holding up his passport yesterday but as I was on the bus I didn't get too close to it.

jimlad48 Wrote:

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> He was back tonight - its an odd thing. There are

> support mechanisms in place for real veterans, and

> its worth noting that in the US a lot of people

> claim to be veterans to help beg cash.

[jimlad48]

As a veteran, I'm always very cynical of people who claim to be veterans when soliciting help...

[whypeter]

apparently the word '' gullible'' is no longer in the OED

[EDmummy]

Referring to me whypter? I'm most certainly not gullible (notice the inverted commas in the subject title?) but I do have a heart and am aware of organisations that support homeless people. The desire to help someone in need is human. I was trying to find out if he actually was in need, if he's not then I no longer need to worry.

whypeter Wrote:

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> apparently the word '' gullible'' is no longer in

> the OED

[Noelwd]

Hello all - I also saw the US veteran yesterday at Denmark Hill (17:25). I was very concerned for him - he seemed quite disturbed and vulnerable. I tried to call 101, but I could not get through. May be we could all keep an eye out for him?

[whypeter]

not really referring to anyone in particular EDMummy...just amazed at the gullibility of people...Dulwich is widely known as an affluent area with a generous soul, and its exploited to the fullest..just try and get your brain into gear...American war veteran??? in London ??? particularly Dulwich?? why not Camberwell??? or Nunhead?? or Belgravia where the American Embassy is???

[rendelharris]

For starters if he's at Denmark Hill station he isn't in Dulwich, he's in Camberwell, so that's your main point out the window. Secondly, I know a US veteran who lives in East Dulwich - he's happily married and settled, but if, heaven forfend, he developed mental health issues or in some other way found himself on the streets, why wouldn't he stay around here? I have no idea if this guy's genuine or not, but your cynicism reflects little credit on you.

[whypeter]

so the prick shows its thorns...your opinion is as much worth as blackadder says...like a broken pencil...pointless...

[rendelharris]

Ah, such sophisticated argument. Well done. Top grammar too.

[whypeter]

and what is the word ''forfend''???

[rendelharris]

Ignorant as well, top notch!

[whypeter]

as you know Camberwell so well...maybe a quick visit to maudsley will put you in good stead

[whypeter]

still waiting on ''forfend''

[rendelharris]

Nice. You're not really doing yourself any favours in terms of making yourself not look a poisonous spiteful sad little individual, you know.

[whypeter]

educate me...please

[rendelharris]

whypeter Wrote:

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> still waiting on ''forfend''

Buy a dictionary. Or ask a grownup.

[whypeter]

brave on a keyboard

[Hoopoedi]

How on earth did we sink to petty bickering on this thread... Stay on topic folks!

[whypeter]

agreed hoopoedi

[whypeter]

I was just trying to express how peoples good nature can be exploited...and not all is as it seems