They have one son serving in the Navy and another one serving in the Marines. Angelo and Paolo’s parents missed their boys, but wholeheartedly supported their sons’ service and dedication to our country. Their oldest son, Angelo, finished his basic training for the Navy in Illinois and then transferred to a Florida base. In Florida, … Continued
View my storyWorking overseas sounds romantic and adventurous, but when you want to move back home, there are a lot of logistics and expenses. Just recently retired from the Army and waiting on his disability pay, injured veteran Andrew faced a big move from an overseas base to the United States. Moving all his possessions after four … Continued
View my storyArmy veterans Dustin and his wife Lyndsey share a deep commitment to each other, their young son and our country. They also share a passionate love of running. Early in 2019, Dustin and Lyndsey were completing the required Army Physical Fitness Test with their unit. During the two mile run, Dustin collapsed, suffering an anoxic brain … Continued
View my storySeeking mental health treatment was definitely outside Lance Corporal Eric’s comfort zone. He’d been away from home for a time and was in between jobs. Struggling with some post-service issues, he was admitted into a hospital-based mental health program, where he reached out to SALUTE for assistance. SALUTE was able to provide payments on his … Continued
View my storyA reliable car is essential for a family, providing transportation to a job interview, a doctor’s appointment or school. Having an unexpected car repair bill due to an accident is a serious financial stress for a family living on disability benefits. Just recently discharged from the Army, Carina and her spouse were both looking for … Continued
View my storyA seasoned military member, Staff Sergeant Lucas was used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. His twelve years in the Army, which included deployments to Afghanistan and Kosovo, taught him flexibility and the power of determination. However, none of his military experience prepared him for the devastating diagnosis of brain cancer. Going through radiotherapy, chemotherapy … Continued
View my storyInjuries, sometime invisible, can accrue in a long stint in the Army. Specialist Liam was experiencing some issues with PTSD, so he found an inpatient rehab center and enrolled for a thirty day program. Seeking treatment was not the easiest decision for Liam, as he had a lot going on his life right then: father … Continued
View my storyIn a single moment, life for Justin – and his whole family – was changed forever. A member of the elite sniper squad of the 101st Airborne Division, Justin was training in Louisiana for an upcoming deployment. While traveling back to base, Justin was struck by a speeding pickup truck, and suffered a severe traumatic … Continued
View my storyProudly serving as a Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopters) for over seven years, Robert sustained multiple injuries in an accident while in service. Transitioning to retirement from the Navy, he was looking for a new career while waiting on his service connection pay. Just like any of us, a few months without income left him in … Continued
View my storyMaster Sergeant Mark’s life was permanently changed when he suffered a traumatic brain injury during his long career in the Air Force. Plagued by neurological damage from the brain injury and still struggling with lingering PTSD symptoms, Mark researched the best options for his treatment and found the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Nationally recognized for … Continued
View my storyServing in the National Guard was a passion for Conner. Enlisted for over 5 years, he loved the active and rewarding life of an Army medic, while also pursuing a college degree in Cyber Security. A healthy 24 year old, Conner’s parents were stunned when he suffered a massive acute ischemic stroke on the left … Continued
View my storyIn his 18 years in the Army and Army National Guard, which included time with Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, SSG Matthew was exposed to many traumatic situations. His civilian job as a fire fighter also contributed to a substantial problem with PTSD, which added to the challenges of everyday life. Fortunately, he enrolled in … Continued
View my storyOver 25 years of service in Army Reserve, Army National Guard and Active Duty has garnered Major Wyatt several deployments around the world. Wyatt loved his career and felt fortunate to serve our country. Unfortunately, Wyatt was medically retired from the Army due to a permanent injury suffered during service. While awaiting his disability pay … Continued
View my storySearching for help with depression and other invisible injuries of war, Iraq combat veteran Thad enrolled in a hospital-based mental health program. The intensive program offered a full-spectrum treatment program that connects veterans to individual and group therapy and a daily regimen of physical fitness, stress-reduction training and wellness practices. Earlier, when he was struggling … Continued
View my storyThe Army National Guard was a good fit for Daniel’s skills – his attention to detail, loyalty and intelligence greatly enhanced his six years of service. As a single father of a daughter, Daniel was put in a financial bind due to a move to a new apartment and a death in the family. SALUTE … Continued
View my storyUnexpectedly facing medical retirement from the Marines after 10 years of service, Sergeant Emmett was a bit apprehensive about how he would support his family after the Marines. At the same time, his father’s health was failing and the farm which his family had owned since 1833 was in danger of going under. Emmett asked … Continued
View my storyArmy specialist Rogelio V. served six years in the Illinois Army National Guard, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His assignment in Afghanistan involved patrols in a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle. Rogelio left the Army and returned to civilian life, but was still troubled by injuries … Continued
View my storyFrom tours in Kuwait and Iraq to fighting wildfires in rural Oregon, Army veteran David has worked hard to serve his country and community. However, after battling through an unprecedented wildfire season that leveled his hometown, David found himself sinking into a deep depression and reliving his time in Iraq and the burdens he carried … Continued
View my storyPaul has dedicated over 20 years in service to his country as an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Troubled by PTSD symptoms, Paul identified a hospital-based mental health program that would help him develop tools to deal with his unresolved issues and injuries. Paul had already begun the program when he found out … Continued
View my storyFour years in the Marines had prepared Corporal Brenda to respond quickly and decisively to a crisis. Despite her training , when her apartment was deemed unsafe by her local township, she did not have the funds to pay the security deposit at a new apartment. With only three days to vacate her current apartment, … Continued
View my storyBrad and Mary share a deep love for each other, their country and their canine family members. This dedicated couple have served a combined 18 years in the U.S. Air Force. Returning home after their military careers, they both suffered from the effects of PTSD. Seeking relief from their symptoms, they enrolled in a hospital-based … Continued
View my storyCasey and his wife both serve proudly in the Illinois Army National Guard. College sweethearts, they found themselves without housing due to issues beyond their control which dramatically impacted their military income – their only source of funds until they started their civilian jobs. Unable to afford the security deposit & first month’s rent for … Continued
View my storyArmy veteran Derek lost his job at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He applied for and received unemployment benefits, but they were eventually exhausted, and he had no money to pay his rent. Locating SALUTE, INC. via an online search for veteran assistance, Derek applied for help with his rent and cell phone bill. … Continued
View my storyA Marine veteran with over eight years of service, Sergeant Roberto and his family needed to move to a new town in order to get him closer to Veteran Administrative services and have a safer neighborhood for his son. Roberto and his wife rented out their current house, and secured a small rental home 50 … Continued
View my storyArmy specialist Tonya served honorably for more than 6 years, including time in Iraq. Retired from the Army, Tonya worked for the Internal Revenue Service, and started a family which included a beautiful son and daughter. A single parent, Tonya felt obliged to leave her secure job to care for her disabled son. Knowing she … Continued
View my storyArmy Specialist Cesar served in the Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Deployed to Kuwait, he was seriously injured and sent back to the states to recover. Still active duty in the National Guard and recovering from recent surgery related to his service injuries, Cesar was waiting for medical orders that would … Continued
View my storyArmy Specialist Noah proudly served for four years during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning home, he married and settled down as a family man, working for the US Postal Service. Eight years after leaving the service, Noah realized that his lingering PTSD was greatly impacting his daily life. Despite his responsibilities as a husband, father and … Continued
View my storySergeant Kurt proudly served in the U S Army for over five years, including several tours of duty in Iraq. Health issues forced him to retire, so he returned home and began his life as a civilian. His job was going well until he was let go due to COVID layoffs. Kurt contacted the bank, … Continued
View my storySergeant Anthony proudly served in the US Army for almost nine years, including several tours of duty in Iraq. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Anthony left the military, and was subsequently rated 100% service connected due to his extensive injuries. Needing additional income for his family, Anthony started working at his first post-service civilian … Continued
View my storySergeant Stephen served over 5 years in the Army Airborne Division, and then served our country again in the Army National Guard. After retiring from the military, Stephen worked for many years in the civilian sector, until his service-related PTSD and depression overwhelmed him. His mental health struggles caused him to lose his job. Seeking … Continued
View my storyArmy Private First-Class Daniel enlisted in the Army after high school, and after completing his required active duty, he joined the National Guard. While serving his country in the Guard, Daniel worked through many assignments. When the country was struggling with the pandemic, Daniel’s National Guard unit was assigned to work at the state COVID-19 … Continued
View my storySenior Airman Jonathon served in the U. S. Airforce for over four years, including deployments to Iraq. Returning home from his time in the military, Jonathon began his career as a firefighter, married his sweetheart and happily welcomed two children into the family. Although on the surface it seemed that life was perfect for Jonathon, … Continued
View my storyArmy Staff Sergeant Jack is a combat veteran of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jack was severely injured in Iraq from an IED incident and injured again in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries and recovered at a military hospital. One lasting legacy of his 11 years of service … Continued
View my storyArmy Specialist Justin served in both the Army and the Air Force, focusing on linguistics. Justin contacted SALUTE for help after he became ill with COVID and subsequently lost his job, resulting in him needing assistance with rental payments. SALUTE was able to pay his overdue rent, and Justin has a new job as an … Continued
View my storySgt Charles served almost 11 years in the U S Army, first as a chaplain assistant and then a cavalry scout. During his time in the Army, Charles was deployed three times, (including tours in Iraq and Kuwait), where he was severely injured in an IED explosion. Upon his return home, he also suffered a … Continued
View my storyJust two weeks out of high school, Patrick joined the US Army and served three years active duty, three years with the National Guard, completed college and then went on to officer candidate school. After commissioning, he served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer for 13 years. Following his time as an Army officer, Patrick … Continued
View my storyStaff Sergeant Sarah devoted over 18 years to the US Army, working as an IT specialist. Following her retirement from the service, Sarah worked on taking care of her two teenage sons and furthering her education. She was a successful independent IT consultant, as well as a part-time teacher at a nearby university. When the … Continued
View my storyVeteran Robin served over twelve years as a Maintenance Management Analyst. The Air Force maintains tens of thousands of pieces of equipment in support of their missions and daily operations. And all of the maintenance activities must operate within fixed budgets and defined schedules. Robin’s job was to determine the cost efficiency of these activities. … Continued
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