One Central Florida veteran believes folks can’t forget that the ability to celebrate this country's independence is thanks to those who served.

Robert LeWayne Johnson has 38 years combined in the military and in the federal government under his belt.  He is using what he learned on the field to help others. 

Johnson is partnering up with the non-profit, the Mercy Foundation in Kissimmee, to create a local database and identify homeless vets. This is part of the foundation’s newest program dedicated to homeless veterans. The goal is to connect them to resources like food, shelter, jobs and mental health counseling. 

“Veterans are my brothers and my sisters, and we have a saying in the military: 'Never leave a military member behind.' And because of that commitment that we made, we have to reach out and help those individuals that are not able to help themselves,” Johnson said.  

A veteran resource fair took place last month and Johnson is working on the next one.

For more information on the Mercy Foundation and what they do, click here.