The Project Street Outreach Story
No one ever thinks a family member would be homeless, especially a decorated recipient of multiple Purple Heart medals. However, this actually occurs all over the United States.
J. Denise, PSO Executive Director and Founder, never knew about the challenges of her uncle, SFC Sam Caulder. He experienced a variety of difficult events during his transition from military to civilian life. By the time she and her family found out about these struggles, it was too late to help him. Sam took his own life in November of 1988, and J. Denise decided it was not too late to help the next homeless veteran.
It is from that point that Project Street Outreach (PSO) Inc was born.
In Loving Memory of SFC Sam Caulder
Project Street Outreach was founded December of 2012, in honor and in memory of Denise's beloved uncle, Sam Caulder aka Duke.
Caulder enlisted in the United States Army immediately after high school and proudly served his country for 23 years, retiring in 1986. Over the course of these years, he was stationed in the United States, Korea, Germany, and four tours in Vietnam. For his dedication, he received several high honors: the Bronze Star with the W/V Device, Bronze Star, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart (2 devices), Army Accommodation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (6 devices), Master Parachute Badge, and the Republican of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
He valiantly served in the Airborne Division B Company 508th Infantry, Company B 1st Battalion Airborne 508th Infantry, and the 82nd Airborne Division.
As a communication chief, SFC Caulder received outstanding performance of duty which contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Command Mission.
His professionalism, determination, sound judgement, and enthusiastic approach allowed him to serve as a team player. Those qualities reflected the values instilled in him growing up.
After retirement, he received a diploma from Fayetteville Tech in Electrical Installation & Maintenance, Radio & Television Repair.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE, ALWAYS TO BE REMEMBERED
The first visit to homeless camps to reach out to veterans. (Left to right- Founder Denise Cromwell and the first foot soldiers: Joyce Rodgers, Juanita Long and Joyetta Beauford)
