We all know the devastating effects the battlefield has on soldiers. Beyond the physical wounds, veterans are often plagued with scars that cannot be seen – the emotional scars left by the horrors of war.
Unfortunately, the VA is not equipped to handle either type of injury – psychological or physical. The waiting list for treatment is so long that vets can suffer for many months without the medical care they need and deserve. And while waiting to see a doctor, they also wait for their veteran’s benefits. It’s a horrible downward spiral for brave men and women who sacrificed so much for this nation.
That makes our work all the more important. We aid vets who have fallen through the gaping holes in the VA system. For instance, we recently provided a grant to a Missouri Veteran who had become ill and suffered from PTSD and couldn’t work for a few months. He needed someone to reach out to him – to give him enough money to get back on his feet. We did just that. We gave him a grant so he could pay for a deposit and rent on an apartment. Because of the people who support us, we were able to support him when he needed us most.
James Webb waited 11 months for benefits and began living on the streets. Now he lives at his parents’ house with his son, Christian.