The FMCA family responded to a member during his time in need.
By Gary and Glenda Milner, F409834, FMCA National Vice President, Midwest Area
March 2020
When FMCA members are in trouble, their “family” provides assistance. That was the experience of Kerry Bounds, F494027, on November 27, 2019.
Kerry, who is from Hillsboro, Oregon, had arrived in Yuma, Arizona, and was enjoying the wonderful weather when he needed emergency medical assistance. He does not have a towed car, so he drove his motorhome to the hospital. He soon was told that he would have to stay there for an undetermined amount of time.
His concern immediately focused on his traveling companion: his fur baby, a dog named Emma, who had already been in the motorhome for 12 hours. Kerry decided to reach out on Facebook using the “RVs & Camping — On the Road with FMCA” page. Immediately, the FMCA family started responding.
Several people in the area offered to assist, not only with Emma’s needs but also Kerry’s. He was relieved, but he then learned his stay in Yuma might extend for several months. Now his troubles had multiplied. Something had to be done with his motorhome (still parked in the hospital lot) and with Emma.
An organization in Yuma — Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home — contacted Kerry about helping with Emma. Kerry then connected with Seven Corners, administrator of the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program, and arrangements were made to return his motorhome to his home in Oregon.
Gary Milner, FMCA national vice president, Midwest Area, and his wife, Glenda, saw Kerry Bounds’ plea for help on Facebook. They visited him in the hospital.
We were among the FMCA members who saw Kerry’s Facebook post. We went to visit him. I, Gary, immediately recognized Kerry, because we had talked at the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show. Kerry had said that joining FMCA was important because of the benefits, specifically, the FMCAssist program. He enrolled for three years.
We had a great visit with Kerry while he convalesced in Yuma. We soon realized that we have a lot in common, including being full-time RVers. Kerry has visited many areas in the Midwest and has interesting stories to share. He noted that he had never seen so much cheese until he visited Wisconsin.
Kerry wanted us to share his sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love, support, and care he received from FMCA members. He is very grateful to everyone who helped him through his crisis.
During our travels, we never know what we might encounter in the next town. But we know that our family is large, and we take care of each other. That is the FMCA definition of family.