Army Veteran, 88, Still Working Full-Time After Losing Pension — Internet Raises Nearly $1.5M to Help

At 88 years old, Army veteran Ed Bambas still works full-time as a grocery store cashier in Brighton, Michigan. He shows up five days a week, often standing for more than eight hours at a time. While most people his age spend their days relaxing in retirement, Bambas continues to work simply because he has no other choice.

He shared that he would prefer to slow down, but his income is too limited to cover his expenses. As a result, he keeps going with steady determination and a positive spirit. His story has touched millions, not only because of his age but because of the heartbreaking reason behind his financial struggle.

A Promised Pension That Disappeared

Bambas once believed he would enjoy a secure retirement. After retiring from General Motors in 1999, he counted on the pension and benefits he had earned through decades of hard work. However, everything changed in 2012 when GM went bankrupt. In the fallout, Bambas lost his pension, his health care coverage, and most of his life insurance.

The timing could not have been worse. His wife became seriously ill around the same time, leading to mounting medical bills. Without the benefits he expected to rely on, Bambas was forced to sell his home and other property to stay afloat. The financial pressure grew even heavier after his wife of more than 50 years passed away. Left alone and without a safety net, Bambas did what he had always done—he kept working.

@itssozer 88 year old veteran still working.. 😭❤️ (donate in B1O) #love #kind #veteran ♬ original sound – Samuel Weidenhofer

Showing Up With Humility and Strength

Despite the physical demands of the job, Bambas remains grateful that his body still allows him to work. He told WXYZ ABC he is “fortunate” to be able to stand for long hours and help customers with a smile. Co-workers and shoppers often describe him as polite, hardworking, and dedicated.

Yet behind the scenes, he continues to work not out of passion, but out of necessity. His story is a reminder of how quickly retirement plans can collapse, especially for older Americans who depend on pensions that disappear during economic downturns.

A Viral Video Sparks Nationwide Support

Everything changed when Australian influencer Samuel Weidenhofer visited the Michigan supermarket and met Bambas. After hearing his story, the influencer posted a video highlighting the veteran’s situation and surprising him with a $400 tip. The video quickly gained traction across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Millions of viewers were moved by Bambas’ humility and resilience.

Weidenhofer decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help Bambas finally retire. Within hours, donations began pouring in. People from across the country—and even around the world—contributed what they could. Some gave $5. Others sent hundreds, and even thousands. Many shared stories of their own struggles or their appreciation for veterans like Bambas.

Celebrities, including singer Charlie Puth, amplified the campaign by sharing it on social media. Each post helped draw even more attention to Bambas’ story and the need for change in how society supports aging veterans and retirees.

Fundraising Surges to Nearly $1.5 Million

Because of the overwhelming response, the GoFundMe campaign skyrocketed.

At the time of this publication, the GoFundMe fund has reached just under $1.5 million—a powerful demonstration of nationwide compassion.

The donations will be placed into a secure account or trust once the campaign closes. From there, the funds will help provide stability, cover living expenses, and give Bambas the financial freedom he has lived without for so many years. Most importantly, the support may finally allow him to retire with dignity.

Technology Isn’t His Priority — But Kindness Is

Although his story has gone viral, Bambas himself has not seen the video that changed his life. He still uses a flip phone and says he has never been on TikTok or Instagram. While the online attention feels surreal to him, he remains deeply grateful and humbled by the generosity of strangers.

For him, the fundraiser is not about fame or recognition. Instead, it represents the kindness of people willing to step forward and help someone in need.

A Story That Raises Larger Questions

Beyond Bambas’ personal journey, his experience brings important issues into the spotlight. His situation raises questions about:

The security of pensions for retirees
The stability of health care and insurance benefits
The support available to older veterans
The financial challenges seniors face in today’s economy

His story highlights how quickly life can change and how easily older Americans can fall through the cracks—even after a lifetime of hard work and service.

Hope, Dignity, and a Brighter Future

As donations continue to grow, Bambas’ life may soon look very different. After years of loss, sacrifice, and financial uncertainty, he now has a chance to experience comfort in his later years. With support from millions, he may finally be able to rest, enjoy his time, and live free from the constant pressure to work full-time just to survive.

In the end, the response to his story proves something powerful: when people come together, even one small video can create real change. For Ed Bambas, that change is life-altering. And for the rest of us, his story is a reminder that compassion still makes a difference—one person, one share, and one act of generosity at a time.