Hello. I would like to express our sincere gratitude for looking further into our situation and needs. I am the wife of a 29 year old permanently disabled combat veteran. In 2006, my husband served a tour in Iraq as a combat mechanic and recovery specialist. During his time in service and his tour in Iraq, he developed numerous physical disabilities as well as mental disorders. Also, we are currently providing everything for my husband’s older brother and have been for two years while waiting for the brother’s disability to be finalized.

My husband suffers from chronic and severe knee damage caused from the absence of cartilage in both knees, and the surgeon could not find his ACL in his left knee. His knee damage is the result of a deformity from when he shattered the 5th metatarsal in his left foot during training. All the tendons attached to the bone were severed and now lay unattached near the ankle which caused nerve damage in his foot as well.

He has tendonitis and rotator cuff problems in his shoulders. The nerve damage in his upper left back and shoulder were caused by the numerous convoys in Iraq. Sometimes, his nerve damage acts up and causes muscles and tendons in his neck to tighten that pin and pinch a nerve against his shoulder blade causing partial paralysis to his face.

The most debilitating disability is his severe and chronic Combat P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) caused by events and circumstances during his tour overseas. Daily and nightly, he is haunted by flashbacks and nightmares. Everyday, he is hyper vigilant of our surroundings. He is always on the lookout for people that are trying to steal something from around our house and belongings. Also, he is constantly worried that someone is out to get him, and that they will harm us or our animals.

Being in Iraq changed my husband completely. When he returned from his tour in Iraq, we did not know that he had a mental disability that will affect him for the rest of his life. In 2007, he fulfilled his initial enlistment contract with an honorable discharge. After fulfilling his military contract, we moved out to the country. Jobs were few in number and living in a very small community did not offer many employment opportunities. On top of that, my husband was going through physical and mental disabilities that had developed from his tour in Iraq. We visited the VA Hospitals numerous times a week. We were barely getting by.

We purchased our first house in a small, country town to limit the hustle and bustle of a city that has a strong triggering affect on my husband‘s P.T.S.D. We thought we were getting a good deal, but the property and house are in need of repairs. The house was only four years old, but after buying it we found out it needed foundation repair. The prior owner did not take care of the house. The central heat and air is broken, but the unit is too small for our house. The front and back yards were used as driveways. So, the yards are uneven and hold water. The driveway was non-existent except for two rut marks running down the property. We need to install a fence to keep most of the wild and stray animals out of our property. The drywall on the ceiling is starting to sag and we need flooring in the house. Also, our truck is in need of major repairs.

My husband is not able to work any more due to his disabilities. He would love to have a small 28’x28’ workshop built on our property. He loves working with metal and wood. A workshop would be the greatest thing for him. He needs a place he can go and have a productive hobby where he can build things to occupy his time and mind instead of being a security guard all day and night long. His stress levels would reduce and he would become healthier.

With all the work that needs to be done, my husband’s physical disabilities are an obstacle that are hard to overcome, but the biggest obstacle to overcome is the money involved with paying all our bills, mortgage, foundation repair loan, living expenses and repairs that need to be done in and around our home. Because of this lack of finances to fund these projects, we are counting on the kindness of strangers like you and are hoping you will extend a helping hand. We graciously thank and salute you in advance for your kindness.
Sincerely & Respectfully,
  - Your Neighbors