A Veteran’s Struggle and Triumph
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Alan, a young man with a passion for electronics, traded the classroom for military service when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970. Starting as a maintenance technician, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a Hawk Missile Maintenance Supervisor, overseeing $25 million worth of equipment and a team of 25.
After his 9 years in service, he transitioned seamlessly into the civilian world, working as a maintenance technician for Control Data Corporation, servicing the world’s first supercomputers. |
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However, his service came at a significant cost. His military journey had taken him to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was unknowingly contaminated by dangerous chemicals, leading to leukemia, cancer, and neurological problems for the servicemen who had been stationed there.
So, when Alan was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2019, the VA came through with a 100% disability rating and financial compensation to help pay the bills.
In August of 2023, he got bad news. Because his cancer was in remission, the VA had cut his disability rating from 100% to 40% - reducing his monthly check by $3,000. This left him and his family struggling to make ends meet. They had to cut back on family outings like his grandson’s favorite – a trip to the Country Junction.
But hope arrived in the form of Salute 2 Service (S2S). At a Veterans Day event, Alan discovered this lifeline for veterans in need when they were distributing Bombas’ socks free to veterans. S2S has since provided essential food assistance at their weekly food giveway, easing the financial burden of rising grocery costs and providing access to nutritious meals.
Beyond the food assistance, S2S connected Alan with a dedicated Veterans Service Officer. This expert is guiding him through the complex VA claims process. He submitted claims for other service-related issues that Alan was experiencing including complications from his bladder cancer. There is now hope that he will get the benefits he rightfully deserves.
So, when Alan was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2019, the VA came through with a 100% disability rating and financial compensation to help pay the bills.
In August of 2023, he got bad news. Because his cancer was in remission, the VA had cut his disability rating from 100% to 40% - reducing his monthly check by $3,000. This left him and his family struggling to make ends meet. They had to cut back on family outings like his grandson’s favorite – a trip to the Country Junction.
But hope arrived in the form of Salute 2 Service (S2S). At a Veterans Day event, Alan discovered this lifeline for veterans in need when they were distributing Bombas’ socks free to veterans. S2S has since provided essential food assistance at their weekly food giveway, easing the financial burden of rising grocery costs and providing access to nutritious meals.
Beyond the food assistance, S2S connected Alan with a dedicated Veterans Service Officer. This expert is guiding him through the complex VA claims process. He submitted claims for other service-related issues that Alan was experiencing including complications from his bladder cancer. There is now hope that he will get the benefits he rightfully deserves.
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Alan's story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of organizations like S2S. With their support, he is hopeful for the future. He looks forward to regaining his financial stability and enjoying life's simple pleasures, like a trip to the Country Junction with his grandson.
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When my benefits were cut, I felt lost, alone, and hopeless, " Alan said. "The people at S2S really care. They always find a way to help; either directly or through their network of connections.” |
