‘The Army provided me with a sense of direction:’ Veteran and Catholic Charities Elder Outreach Member Ron Murphy on Finding Resilience

Ron Murphy joined the Army when he was just 17 years old. Forty-four years later, Ron says the lessons he learned during his time in the service still help him to navigate the challenges of everyday life. 

“The army provided me with a sense of direction and taught me about the importance of respect and pride,” said Ron, who is living in a BHA-funded apartment complex for elderly and disabled individuals in South Boston, where Catholic Charities provides elder support services, including social support, counseling, and emergency food assistance. 

During his six years in the service, Ron worked in field archery and as a cannon crewman. While there were challenges and difficult days, Ron said he was grateful for the support and solidarity he felt among the other soldiers with whom he served.  

“I enjoyed the camaraderie and the sense of friendship,” he said.  

Ron began working as a carpenter shortly after graduating from the service – a job he quickly became passionate about. When asked what advice he would give to other young people joining the service, Ron said: “Try to learn a trade. Go in with a specialty, whether its mechanics or engineering. Do something to better yourself.” 

Ron’s experience serving taught him that if you fall down seven times, you stand up eight. In 2002, Ron was working on-site at the big dig construction project in Boston when he fell nearly forty feet, breaking both his legs and leaving him in need of six surgeries. 

During a time when it would have been easy to give up, Ron kept going, driven by the resilience and perseverance he gained during his time in the army. While he is no longer able to work, he says he is grateful he is able to walk and that he has found stable housing. During strolls around his South Boston neighborhood, Ron often stops in front of construction sites just to watch and reminisce on the work that brought him such joy.  

Ron also says he’s grateful for Paul Brown, Catholic Charities Boston’s Elder Services Coordinator, for being an unwavering support system to him and for always helping him get back on his feet, whether it’s providing grocery store gift cards, donating furniture, or simply being a listening ear. 

“I feel that I am just now starting to get my life together in the right direction,” Ron says. 

To learn how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients like Ron, visit our Ways to Give page. To learn more about our Elder Outreach program, click here.