Two veteran brothers separated by nearly 3,000 miles finally came face-to-face again after four decades apart — thanks to a little help from a Northern California county.
The siblings, one living in Grass Valley, between Sacramento and Reno, and the other in eastern Connecticut, have kept in touch by phone over the years. But Thursday marked the first time they had seen each other face-to-face — even if it was through a screen.
Placer County’s Veterans Service Office arranged the emotional video reunion, helping the brothers bridge the distance after 40 years apart.
The office provides counseling, education, benefits assistance and advocacy for veterans, their dependents and survivors.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to help both of these veterans maybe become a little more healthy in their mental health,” Steve Johnson, a Placer County Veterans Service officer, told KCRA3.
Now, the county office is working with a nonprofit to get the brothers internet access and tablets so they can see each other more often without having to rely on phone calls alone.
“I can’t imagine that it’s a great feeling not to be able to see your family for such a long time,” Johnson said.
