SARASOTA, FL – For longtime Sarasota resident Kathy Schneider, times have been tough lately. Her husband of 50 years, Fred – a veteran of the U.S. Army – passed away on August 30. Just days later, with temperatures still in the 90s, her air conditioning stopped working. 

Upon learning of the situation from Fred's friend Brian Russ, who is the Commander of the DAV and Vietnam Brotherhood, Todd Hughes – Goodwill Manasota's Veterans Services program manager – immediately began reaching out to potential resources. He connected with Matt Chaney, President of Veteran Air, to see if he could help. Chaney sent a crew to examine Schneider's AC system and found it needed to be completely replaced, with significant ductwork repairs needed as well. His estimate for the work was in excess of $25,000; Chaney offered to donate the installation services but requested assistance with the cost of materials.

Hughes then reached out to numerous veteran serving organizations, to see if they could chip in. The following organizations answered the call quickly: SRQ Vets ($500), Operation Second Chance ($500), Florida Veterans for Common Sense ($500), Operation Patriot Support ($1,000) and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 20-8 ($150) all pitched in to help Veteran Air pay for the parts. Schneider's church, New Life Worship Center, contributed $600 toward the cost as well. 

Goodwill Manasota’s Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV) Fund is picking up the remainder of $1,000. Founder and former owner of Veteran Air, Kevin Henault, has supported Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services program for many years and, in fact, helped to replenish the SERV Fund in 2024 with a generous contribution. 

“I knew Fred for over a decade and he was always involved with helping others; it was a no-brainer for us to come together to help Kathy when she needed us,” said Hughes.

For two days in mid-September, Veteran Air team members went to Schneider's home and handled the work on her AC system. In advance of the repairs, she was provided with a temporary portable AC system by Veteran Air, which kept her comfortable while her AC was down.

“We were so thrilled to be able to make this happen for a special community member. It's incredibly rewarding to see the power of giving back to those service members and their families who have given so much,” said Sarah Johnson, community engagement specialist for Veteran Air. “Being able to pay it forward in our own way is a privilege; moments like this are truly what it's all about.”

“I feel very loved and cared for,” said Schneider. “It’s nice to be the recipient of this wonderful support.”

Frederick C. Schneider Jr. served with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His continued allegiance to fellow veterans was evident through his active participation with the DAV and the VFW, organizations through which he sought to extend support and camaraderie to those who served. Upon returning to civilian life, he enjoyed a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant in the Sarasota area. 

For more about Goodwill’s Veterans Services program, visit experiencegoodwill.org/veteransservices.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.