Magician Rips Up a Homeless Veteran’s Sign, Saying He Won't Need it Anymore

This article appeared in thedaddest.com and has been published here with permission.

Army Veterans

When soldiers come home from serving, they often find themselves without a place to call home. Transitioning from military to civilian life is no easy task. The things they've seen and experienced in combat can make it hard for them to adjust. Many struggle with finding steady work and housing because of this.

On top of that, they don't always have access to the support and resources they need for their mental well-being. Money troubles only add to their difficulties, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness. We need to come together as a society and government to provide comprehensive support and solutions for these veterans.

Statistically Speaking...

A study conducted in 2014 revealed that veterans have a slightly higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness compared to non-veterans. While veterans make up 9.7% of the general population, they constitute 12.3% of the homeless population.

These findings, derived using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), mark the first systematic review to consolidate research on risk factors contributing to homelessness among US veterans. Analyzing 31 studies spanning from 1987 to 2014, researchers identified prevalent risk factors including substance abuse disorders, mental health challenges, low income, familial and social support deficiencies, and related income issues.

Helping Hand

As we've already mentioned, the issue of homelessness among veterans returning from the front is a serious one. The issue has persevered since the Vietnam War and has become endemic throughout American society.

Many of these veterans return home with little for their sacrifice, which is ultimately the greatest, and often wind up living in terrible conditions or have long-lasting psychological traumas. Rob Anderson, a Las Vegas magician, decided that he had to do something about this...

The Magician

While you may have caught glimpses of his enchanting romantic magic proposals on YouTube, Rob's magical journey began in Las Vegas back in 2013, where he mesmerized audiences with stage and close-up magic.

From 2013 to 2016, Rob crafted some of YouTube's earliest viral magic content - featured on major networks like ABC News, CNN, and Fox News, as well as Comedy Central. His MTV International series, born from his YouTube success, aired 22 episodes in 2016. Since then, Rob has expanded his repertoire, enthralling audiences at corporate events and sharing insights through keynote speaking engagements.

"Smile"

When Rob Anderson heard about a homeless U.S. Army veteran in Las Vegas who aimed to spread joy without expecting anything in return, he decided to check out the situation for himself. However, his first encounter with the vet didn't go as planned at all.

Anderson took the guy's sign, which stated "Smile," and began to make some changes. Though the vet was a little taken aback by Anderson's actions, he had no idea what was coming...