Disabled Veteran From Pennsylvania Asks For Friends During Holiday Season On Local News Station, Town Answers His Call

The evening before Thanksgiving, a local radio station in Pennsylvania aired its usual show, "Talkback 16", a forum where locals can call in and voice their opinions about anything.

Carl Braun, who lives in Archbald, PA, was one of the people calling in that night, WJAC TV reported. He is a 60-year-old disabled veteran. He said that since his mother passed on 15 years ago, he has lived an isolated, lonely life. No birthday celebrations, no holiday meals, nothing but isolation and tedium.

He said he wanted one thing for Thanksgiving:

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“I don’t want no food. How about some friends? Fifteen years, I haven’t had anybody to spend Thanksgiving with, my birthday, Christmas, New Year’s. It’s getting boring as hell, but I love what you’re doing to help other people.”

The radio station was very moved by his plea and after calling him back to confirm his request and identity, they posted his plight on social media.

To Carl's astonishment and delight, practically the entire town showed up the next day to celebrate Thanksgiving with him. Despite the damp cold weather, around 100 people came by to meet Carl in a local park. He was invited to Thanksgiving dinner, and another family invited him to come over to their party on Christmas Eve.

Archbald is a village in northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of around 7000 that lives in an estimated 3000 households. Around 30% of the population lives alone and the median income is $40,000. The village's primary claim to fame is the presence of the Archbald Pothole, which is preserved in a state park. The Pothole is a natural sinkhole that is 38 feet deep and has an opening at the surface that measures 42 feet by 24 feet.

If you were deeply moved by the response to Carl's request, tell everyone you know about this story.