OKC Company Steps Up To Help Veteran Keep Cool

An 82-year-old veteran in the metro is recovering this Independence Day after he took a spill outside in the heat. And the reason he is spending extra time outside because he doesn't have air conditioning at his home.

This July 4 Holiday has been a sad one for Bobby Hopkins. The cuts on his face are healing, but he's hurting inside. This would have been his 56th anniversary with his late wife, who died in 2006.

"I'm not a cry baby. I don't get up and cry every day. I just try to do the best I can," the Korean War veteran said.

Hopkins gets lonely, but he likes his independence and he doesn't like to ask for help.

"Life was made to enjoy," Hopkins said, staying positive.

He sits outside because it's actually cooler than inside his house.

"Air conditioning units cost a lot of money to put in and get fixed. So I've been slow on that," he said.

The air conditioning unit broke last summer, but the 82 year old is on a fixed income and hasn't been able to get it replaced.

"Friday, we got a phone call from Representative Mike Shelton saying he fell and hit his head on the curb, busted his eye, chin," Hopkins' granddaughter, Misty said.

"I didn't eat my breakfast, so my sugar went low. And when your sugar gets low you can't stand up," Hopkins said.

Hopkins has diabetic episodes and the heat doesn't help. His granddaughter emailed News 9 to see if anyone could help.

"I hope so I'll be a happy man, again," he said.

Air Comfort Solutions is stepping up to help, and working with family to install a new air conditioning unit at Hopkins' home.

If you are having trouble keeping cool this summer, help with your cooling bill is available through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and several other companies and organizations. However, to qualify for some of the programs you may have to meet certain requirements.