This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Published on September 25, 2019, a remarkable story of redemption and service emerged from Brooklyn, New York. At 75, Mr. Mayes, a former soldier, was determined to clear his name and secure his place among fellow veterans.
His journey began in 2009 when he joined the NAACP's Brooklyn branch, becoming a regular presence in poor, black neighborhoods. He urged young men to register to vote, visited homes and jails, and attended large events, spreading awareness about the importance of civic engagement.
Ms. Onida Mayers, who worked alongside Mr. Mayes, recalled his unwavering dedication to empowering young black men. 'He always wanted to be sure that young black men knew their rights and had a future,' she said.
As his health began to decline in his late 70s, Mr. Mayes approached lawyers in New York who specialize in upgrading military discharges. In 2016, he became one of the oldest former servicemen to seek an upgrade, which would make him eligible for a pension, veteran benefits, and burial in a national cemetery.
With the support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Mr. Mayes's lawyers filed a new application for an upgrade in 2017. He wrote, 'I am a rehabilitated man, and I hope to have the right to be buried in a national cemetery with my comrades-in-arms.'
Although the Secretary of the Army initially denied his request, Mr. Mayes's case remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to redemption and service.
