You forget also what it is like living in the hollows of West Virginia, - lack of basic services, including Dentists. Often no flouride in water (wells). Poverty that would still make most of America shudder. Educational levels that do not impact things like taking care of your teeth and gums until it is too late.
I see a lot of folks in WV with only a few teeth, yet apparently plenty of money to spend on tattoos and motorcycles.
Most poor people will not beg.
People outside Appalachia enjoy the mirth of looking down upon such people, yet in wartime these are among the first to stand up for their country.