88-year-old Army vet working at grocery store raises over $1.7 million

Ed Bambas, 88, spent much of his life chasing the American dream. However, in 2019, he faced a situation most retirees never anticipate: returning to the workforce.

"You do what you have to do," Bambas explained.

An Army veteran, Bambas devoted 40 years of his career to General Motors, but the company's 2009 bankruptcy erased his pension. Soon after, his wife became ill and passed away. With financial pressures rising, he took a position at a local grocery store.

"I made it a point to be as friendly as possible because it helped me cope with the grief from losing my wife," Bambas shared. "I still miss her dearly and visit her grave every day."

Everything changed this week when influencer Sam Weidenhofer asked him a simple question: "What's your dream?" Bambas replied, "To live a little of the life I was hoping for."

Moved by his story, Weidenhofer launched a crowdfunding campaign to support Bambas retirement plans. By Friday, donations had exceeded $1.7 million.

Reflecting on the experience, Bambas emphasized the importance of kindness: "Be polite to people."

Author: Maya Henderson