VFW Unmet Needs Gives Soldier Sigh of Relief
medical issues put soldier in financial bind
June 04, 2012
Army
National Guard Sgt. Michael Krueger was well into his 40s when he opted to reenlist
in the Army after spending 19 years as a civilian. He would ultimately deploy three
times between 2009 and 2010–to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan–before being
honorably discharged.
Unfortunately,
the daily grind from his training and deployments took a heavy toll on his body.
When
Krueger returned to work as a civilian mechanic near Chicago, he suffered from high
levels of chronic pain and experienced numbness and fainting.
After
seeking VA medical care, Krueger was diagnosed with a broken neck, three brain
aneurysms and nerve damage to his neck.
Due
to his treatments and the severity of the aneurysms he suffered, Krueger was
forced to stop working until he recovered. Without steady income, he fell on
hard times while awaiting ratings on pending Social Security disability and VA
claims.
“I
have been unable to work for nearly two years and lost my family, home and
everything else I have worked so hard for,” he explained.
A
VA representative contacted the VFW Unmet Needs program on Krueger’s behalf in
hopes of helping him secure the financial assistance he needed.
Krueger
learned he qualified for a VFW Unmet Needs grant and was able to breathe a huge
sigh of relief. More importantly, it allowed him to focus on getting better.
“The
financial help I received couldn't have come at a better time. I am so grateful
for the help that I have received and hopefully will be able to recover and
regroup,” he said.
With
more surgeries on the horizon and unable to go back to work in his field, Krueger
knows he has a long road ahead. Still, after everything he’s been through he says
he has no regrets.
The
VFW was there with a hand up when he needed it most.
To
learn more about VFW’s Unmet Needs program and other VFW National
Military Services programs, click here.
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