1 person found this review helpful
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust
June 1, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. A disc ruptured in my back while doing some heavy lifting. Two weeks later the Naval doctors put me in pelvic traction. With no relief, they operated and removed the disc. I felt a weakness in my left ankle. While playing softball on the base, I suffered an extreme sprain. One year later, they discharged me with a 50% disability rating for my back, 0% for the ankle. The ankle kept spraining itself with the least amount of trauma. I was on crutches 50% of the time. Someone told me to put in a claim. After the exam and a search of my records, the VA conceded and gave me 10% for the ankle, but they said my back was getting better, so they took 10% away from my back. My back then began to go into muscle spasms, crippling me. Someone told me to go back and reopen your claim. The VA then said that my back really wasn’t any worse so they would not give me an increase. However, they said that my ankle was better. So they took away the 10%, leaving me with 40%. I wanted to go to college. You must be 50% disabled to get full benefits. I was too poor to go (SOL). A friend, John, told me to join the DAV and they will stop f... with you. Two years I was commander of a chapter and a life member. One more time my back put me back in the hospital. I had the National Service Officer plea my case for me. Next thing I know, I was awarded the 50% back and off to college I went.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Becoming a chapter commander and financial officer.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase their Reach out program. There are so many Veterans that truly do not know how much this organization can benefit them.
1 person found this review helpful
March 10, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
Returning home after my tour in 'Nam, I stayed drunk for many years, trying to drown the hurt. I did stop drinking and still had the deep pain. I stayed shut down for over 30 years. The only joy I had was my children. A friend told me about Vets Journey Home, then called Bamboo Bridge. The first time I tried to take the weekend, I left after Friday night. Some time later I did finish the weekend. I had, and still have, recurring nightmares. After taking the weekend there is now a sense of peace, that was not there before and somethng I have been seeking for many, many years. It has been my honor to staff several Vets Journey Home weekends and have seen the welcoming home of the veterans that they so richly deserve.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
finding a measure of peace in my mind. Being able to help other Vets. Facing my own demons.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
advertise more.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Giving back. Helping with my suriviors guilt
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated loving people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
spread this awesome work through out AMreica.
Ways to make it better...
I had done it sooner.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting the word out that this weekend WORKS for the veteran.
One thing I'd also say is that...
To the vets themselves!!! Not talking about is NOT the way to go. The demons can't live in the light
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
1 person found this review helpful
March 10, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
I attended a Vets Journey Home sponsored by the Starfish Foundation last August. I am a Vietnam vet serving as an WAF medic. I did not see overseas action but was stationed at a hospital that treated the "walking dead"... men who had shut down due to being in Nam and what they did,saw and experienced there. IT was a cathartic time for me dealing with 40 plus year old issues that I had buried. The staff and volunteers there were great and helped me so much to exorcise my demons. If you can help continue this wonderful efforts for the 'Nam vets, it would be fantastic.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
participating in a Vets Journey Home Aug 09. Also a reunion with the group 2 months later that was sponsored by Starfish Foundation. Loved the idea of a follow up! HAve also gotten emails that keep me informed of what is available, what I can do to help.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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