Air Force Colonel assisted General McChrystal, now homeless veteran

UPDATE

Homeless Colonel Grateful for Outpouring
Philadelphia Inquirer
Jan 13, 2014

Retired Air Force Col. Robert Freniere says he is considering dozens of offers for housing and jobs after an outpouring of responses from Inquirer readers who learned of his story of unemployment and homelessness last Sunday.

Freniere, who spent 30 years in the military, both in active duty and the reserves, estimates he has gotten two dozen offers per day since The Inquirer published his story. Offers have come from Philadelphia-area people and organizations and from others as far away as Alaska, Tennessee, and New Mexico. Veterans and civilians have offered their help.

Freniere, 59, said he is grateful for the support and plans to respond to every offer.

"It's been a really positive experience," he said.

But it hasn't been all positive.

Freniere said he has seen in online comments that some readers, including veterans, questioned his living situation and annual pension of more than $40,000, thinking the amount should be higher for a colonel. Freniere said he wanted to clarify that the money is compensation only for injuries he sustained while on active duty.

He said he doesn't know whether he will receive more retirement pay when he turns 60, as most veterans do. Veterans groups have offered to help him find out.
read more here

From commanding the skies to sleeping in a minivan
Homeless veteran USAF colonel now lives in his car because he can't find a job
Colonel Robert Freniere, 59, was once a special assistant General Stanley McChrystal, the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan
He has served his country in Somalia, Panama, Haiti, and Kuwait
Freniere now lives out of his minivan in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania, as he can't find a job
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
8 January 2014

Frustration: Despite having a wealth of military experience and three graduate degrees, Colonel Robert Freniere is currently living in his van with all of his possessions in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

A U.S. veteran who has experienced combat all over the world and was once a special aide to military top brass has been reduced to living in his van as he can't find a job. But it's not for a lack of trying.

Homeless Robert Freniere, 59, told his story to Philly.com, and explained how he has been rejected for dozens of jobs he has applied for from public libraries, despite having excellent references and three graduate degrees.

When people ask why don't you get a job as a janitor, Freniere replies: 'Well, I've tried that.' He lives out of his blue minivan in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
read more here