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Editor’s note: This story includes the topics of sexual assault, suicide and rape. If you or someone you know has had thoughts of suicide and need help, call the suicide prevention lifeline by dialing 988.
Two generations of military veterans sat side by side in the blue-colored community room at Veterans Village in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood, each exchanging emphatic head nods and pats on the shoulder.
Leon Brantley, 74, and Vanessa Morbeck, 32, served in the military at different times, but each felt a sense of camaraderie as they discussed being veterans who have faced housing instability.
“Our quality of life has become a part of the reality. We’re having as they would say in the military, ‘an attitude check, a reality check,’” Brantley chuckled, looking to Morbeck for confirmation. “Am I correct? You know?”
Veterans Leon Brantley (left) and Vanessa Morbeck (right). (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)