GIVING BACK: Houstonians serve dinner to homeless vets on Veterans Day

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- On this Veterans Day, some people took time to give back to homeless veterans.

It was the third year Loaves and Fishes in downtown Houston hosted a Veterans Day dinner. The hefty plate of steak, potato and salad was made possible by donations. Volunteers from a number of organizations including Houston Warrior Connection, students from Goose Creek CISD's IMPACT Early College High School and Magnificat Houses helped serve.

The event was the vision of Ron Castro.

"I couldn't eat by myself and my wife and not think about my veteran brothers and sisters," Castro, a Navy veteran, said.

Houston's homeless veteran population is estimated around 500. Mark Phelan, a Marine for 18 years, is among them.

"No matter how bad my situation may seem, you walk around Houston and there's people ten times, twenty times worse," Phelan, who took a break from the shelter to also volunteer, said. "If I can help someone, my spirits will be lifted."

About 25 homeless veterans were served. Some left with second plates and everyone got a care package and T-shirt.

"It was a good experience. I'm happy and proud to be here," Mark Walters, a Marine veteran, told Eyewitness News.

Castro is already planning next year's dinner. Loaves and Fishes has posted contact information on their Facebook page.