By Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 7, 2011
TAMPA — Anthony Jacondino, 84, huddles in the narrow median, head low, blasted by wind as cars hurtle past in both directions.
When the light turns red, drivers notice his hat, medal and sign: World War II vet in need of help.
Some ignore him. Others give him money but tell him not to spend it on alcohol.
"I say, 'No, I don't drink,'" Jacondino said.
If they stopped longer, he could describe driving a tank in the Philippines or killing a Japanese soldier. He could talk about the wife who died or the new wife's stroke or falling $400 in the hole each month, before groceries.
A lot of people wave signs on street corners these days, offering sad stories and asking for help, skipping over their jail records and addictions.
But Jacondino's sign doesn't ...