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.