My name is Dave, and I am a retired, wounded veteran. I am married with two children, one of whom is a special needs child. I really thought I had prepared for the time frame between my exit from the military and when everything would be on track financially. What I didn't factor in was a month before retiring, my father had open heart surgery. I was encouraged by my family to go and be with my mother for support. This began eating into the "nest egg" I had squirreled away. Then fast forward to several months after retirement, and still no word.
Sometimes things were so tight, I went two counties over to go to visit a food pantry so that no one would recognize me. I have had to visit a food pantry twice since I have gotten out. Many times in the past I have given to them, but this was the first time I have ever had to utilize them. Imagine as a father, going into a pantry and receiving basic staple items, and then also stocking up on hygienic items as well.
The first retirement check began but it is a low amount. I retired as an E-5 (I have over 7 DD -214's). I would serve for a period, and then get out and go to college. I re-entered, was married, and stayed in for a while until my second child was born with special needs while we were in Europe. The strain was too hard on us, and we made the decision to exit the military and ensure our child was placed in a proper facility where all of the therapies would be handled properly and professionally. I re-entered the civilian workforce, and then also at one point opened my own storefront business.
The war in Iraq brought me back to active duty, and I did two tours over there, and then upon leaving, it was discovered that one of the rocket attacks was affecting my cognitive abilities. I also had some other injuries which required continuing medication. Every month we get our monies, and we tithe, and pay as many of the bills as we can, and we also try to take our daughters out for a fun night out. But for several months we haven't been able to do the latter.
The month that Helping Heroes Home stepped in and helped out was a lifesaver for us. We were at our wits end. We have always trusted the Lord, and trusted in his provision, but even trusting in faith causes nervousness. All one is left to do is hope. Hope that is seen is really no hope at all. Then I was told about Helping Heroes Home. I went to their website, and I read over it. I was one month behind on some of our most precious needs, such as our rent and electricity. After providing the needed information, within a short amount of time Helping Heroes Home was able to take care of those debts.
I want to thank Helping Heroes Home. It's hard to ask for help. Maybe that's pride-- maybe it's because on the inside a man feels like he can no longer supply for his family. Whatever the reasons, it is a hard thing to do.
In Deuteronomy 15:11, God reminds us: "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.' ----- Tonight as my wife and I were saying our evening prayers, we thanked the Lord for Helping Heroes Home. We also asked that when the time comes that we are back on our feet, to always keep our hearts sensitive, always keep our hearts open, and tender to the fact that there are others who will always be in need.
