24 November 2023
'Boots on the ground'
A survivor of traumatic brain injury, Stacey Buckner has rigged up an RV-style kitchen
with shower and laundry equipment in tow and drives her Jeep into homeless camps to help
fellow veterans. Their most important need, she says, is having someone to talk with.
BY JEN COOKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BURNHAM
M
ilitary veterans know Stacey Buckner's tricked-out
Jeep when they see it coming. Since 2015, Buckner,
a veteran herself, has been going to homeless
encampments on Friday nights to offer a hot
shower, a change of clothes, a portable RV clothes
washer, a meal and food for later.
And then she brings a listening ear and a bit of camaraderie.
Buckner will be recognized for her service as one of four winners
of CityView's Power of Giving Community Impact Awards for 2023.
e award follows her recognition in July as a CNN Hero, an award
that also pays tribute to community service.
"I share this with the people who help with our mission," says
Buckner, who started Off-Road Outreach in 2015. "I couldn't do it by
myself, and I'm a huge advocate for boots on the ground."
Buckner was nominated for the award by a high school friend from
30 years ago, Krystyn Stern, who says she has seen Buckner take off
her own shoes to give to a veteran in need.
"Stacey is one of the most selfless people I know. She works
tirelessly to help our homeless and at-risk veterans in the
community," Stern says in her nomination. "Her dedication to our
nation's heroes is unmatched. She is truly the hands and feet of Jesus."
In 2015, Buckner arrived at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs
2023 POWER OF GIVING COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS
Stacey Buckner will be honored at CityView's
Power of Giving Community Impact Awards
presented by PWC. Tickets are available at
cityviewnc.com.
