Lieutenant Colonel Teresa had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force before retiring after 24 years of service. Teresa needed help with her service-related injuries and found the perfect hospital-based program dedicated to mental health issues. However, the program required Teresa to take two weeks off of work, which would not be … Continued
View my storyJeremy served in the Army for several years, took a break, and then re-enlisted as an Army Chaplain for an infantry battalion engaged in regular combat with the Taliban and other terrorist groups. During his years of service, Jeremy provided support to his fellow soldiers but also absorbed many hurtful situations, leading to a significant … Continued
View my storyFive deployments took Army veteran Dominic to countries around the world: Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Korea, just to name a few. Many of Dominic’s twenty years of service were spent working on the Patriot Missile system. Injuries sustained during those twenty years of service followed Dominic into retirement, particularly his lingering Post-Traumatic Stress … Continued
View my storySpecialist Martin worked as an Army infantryman for over 10 years and served in the Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom campaigns. Seriously injured during his service, Martin retired from the Army. One of his lingering service-related injuries was post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was greatly eased by the companionship of his service dog, Annie. When … Continued
View my storyCaptain Brendan committed his life to the U.S. Army for over nine years. Towards the end of his career he needed surgery to alleviate a serious medical problem, and following that, he chose to retire. He and his wife had a happy life and a secure financial situation, until COVID-19 cost Brendan his job. Without … Continued
View my storyAir Force veteran Chris was looking for help with his lingering PTSD and the side effects of a traumatic brain injury. During his four years of service, Chris was deployed to Iraq in the financial management area, and served as a comptroller journeyman. After some research, he located a hospital-based program that was operating via … Continued
View my storyWith a heavy heart, we report the passing of Marine Corps veteran Austin Gibson on August 11, 2020, due to complications from pneumonia. Only 26 years old, Austin was a proud Marine with extensive training in diving and parachuting. In 2018, Austin suffered a tragic jumping accident where his parachute equipment malfunctioned, leaving him paralyzed … Continued
View my storyCaptain Noelle enjoyed her career in the Army, serving for almost eight years before she became ill with severe flu-like symptoms. Unable to fulfill her job requirements, Noelle was forced to retire from service and then spent over a year consulting with doctors for a diagnosis of her illness. Once it was determined she was … Continued
View my storyNavy Petty Officer First Class Terry proudly served our country for 20 years. Since his retirement from active duty, Terry has worked in the hospitality and food service industry. Unfortunately, he recently lost his job due to the pandemic, and was struggling to put food on the table and pay his mortgage. He reached out … Continued
View my storyStaff Sergeant Jim devoted four years to the Marine Corps, which included tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Returning home, Jim found a good job and established a happy home with his wife and four children. Seeking assistance with the invisible wounds of war, Jim found mental health treatment at the Jessie Brown … Continued
View my storySergeant First Class Anthony served for 26 years in the Army, which included service in many different parts of the world, as well as Afghanistan. Upon retirement, Anthony settled back in his home town and dedicated himself to his family and his job. The family was doing well until COVID-19 impacted Anthony’s employment, reducing his … Continued
View my storyArmy specialist John dedicated seven years of his life to serving our country, which included tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. John’s duties included work as a Chemical Operations Specialist, a soldier trained to handle all types of weapons threats as well as decontaminate hazardous material spills or accidents, and biological or nuclear releases. … Continued
View my storyArmy veteran Kristy does not let her service-related disability slow her down, nor her responsibilities as a single mother of two. Despite many challenges, she has worked full-time, until a recent surgery required her to take a leave without pay from her job. During her recovery, her car broke down, and she was left without … Continued
View my storyArmy Sergeant First Class Kathy served as a Nurse Specialist for over 20 years. During her time in the Army, Kathy traveled to Iraq and other countries, working in emergency nursing care as needed. Her lengthy service resulted in numerous injuries which led to permanent disability. Retired from the service in early 2020 and still … Continued
View my storyArmy Sergeant Sam devoted more than eleven years of his life to serving our country, including multiple tours of duty in Iraq. Sam served as a horizontal construction engineer, responsible for operation heavy equipment used in construction projects for the Army. Upon retirement, Sam and his wife (also an Army veteran!), moved the family to … Continued
View my storyMeet Colonel Jeff, an Air Force fighter pilot who has served over 24 years, including time spent at Afghanistan and other overseas locations, as well work at the Pentagon. He recently served as the Director of Operations J3 US Forces Japan. In that role, Jeff directed routine and contingency operations for 50,000+ military members across … Continued
View my storyArmy Specialist Lynn served overseas with the US Army, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. After her time in the military, Lynn worked in a variety of jobs, but continued to struggle with PTSD and other injuries, while supporting her daughter on her own. At one point, unable to pay her bills, Lynn filed … Continued
View my storyTwenty years of service in the US Army provided Sergeant Joshua with a deep satisfaction that he had served his country to the very best of his ability. Now retired, Joshua was looking for a civilian job to help support his family of five. With a 100% service connection, Joshua had a daily battle with … Continued
View my storyProud Marine veteran, Cathy was seeking mental health treatment for lingering damage from her time in the service, which was compounded by additional stress due to the pandemic. Fortunately, she was able to enroll in a hospital-based mental health treatment program, participating via telemedicine. The program was very successful – Cathy described it as the … Continued
View my storyIn October, 2019, active duty Navy Chief Petty Officer Nick went in for a spinal steroid injection in his lower back and immediately lost function and feeling of his legs and feet. He started having seizure-like spasms that lasted up to six hours. After several days in ICU, he was transferred to another hospital, but … Continued
View my storyArmy specialist Brian served our country for over four years, including time in Afghanistan. Upon his return home, Brian noticed that although many things were going well in his life, he had residual psychological damage, as well as physical wounds from his time in the Army. He enrolled in a hospital-based mental heath program, and … Continued
View my storyNavy Commander William S. has devoted over 23 years of his life in service of our country. While still on active duty, he began experiencing progressive weakness in his legs due to a rare condition causing herniation of the spinal cord. Surgical intervention was necessary but resulted in partial paralysis leaving him unable to walk … Continued
View my storyAfter her service in the Army, Emily worked hard to return to her previous life and build a happy home with her daughter and husband. Unfortunately, Emily’s spouse was abusive and she needed to separate from him and find a new path for her and her daughter. Feeling overwhelmed by the stress, Emily sought mental … Continued
View my storyJulia proudly served in the Navy for four years, and returned home suffering from visible and invisible wounds related to her military service. She was grateful to find a hospital-based mental health program near her home and enrolled in the next session. Barely making ends meet before her program, she reached out to SALUTE for … Continued
View my storyAfter Army Specialist Derrick returned from Iraq in 2005 with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, he faced difficulty transitioning back to civilian life. He pursued a career in law enforcement and was able to continue his passion of service with several municipalities, later finishing college as well. Despite all of his successes, Derrick continued … Continued
View my storyTravis served four years as an Army specialist, including a tour in Iraq. Upon his discharge from the army, Travis found a job and worked hard to support his wife and four kids. Lingering effects of his PTSD caused him to have an episode at work, which led to a mandatory time off from his … Continued
View my storySept 11, 2019 update from Stephen: “It is now coming up on a year since I spent approximately seven months at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. While it seems like such a distant chapter in my life, I still think about it often, as well as the experiences that went along with it. One of these experiences … Continued
View my storySoldier Ann experienced many challenges during her time serving in the Army. Suffering from PTSD and military sexual trauma, Ann was unable to work. In need of mental health treatment, Ann’s VA doctor put her in contact with a hospital-based mental health program, which was a perfect fit for her needs. However, Ann was still … Continued
View my storyMilitary veterans are proud men and women who are reluctant to ask for help, even when the need is overwhelming. Erik knows how difficult it is to reach out for assistance. Serving seven years in the Army as a Black Hawk pilot and paratrooper, Erik was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. … Continued
View my storyCareer Army Staff Sergeant Art was deployed with Operation Iraqi Freedom when he suffered a serious injury. Recovering stateside at the Fort Campbell Warrior Transition Unit, Art contemplated his future after his expected retirement due to his injuries. His civilian career had been in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a field he planned to return to … Continued
View my storyAfter serving four years in the U.S. Army, Corporal Jason returned home and started pursuing a degree in Nursing. Successfully accomplishing that goal, he found full-time work at a local hospital, but soon experienced some of the typical difficulties faced by returning veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. Fortunately, Jason was able to find … Continued
View my storySergeant First Class John has had a lifetime of service in the military and the police force. Serving in the US Marine Corps for four years, John sustained several injuries before his return home. John then started a new chapter in his life and became a police officer in a major metropolitan area. He also … Continued
View my storyDoing simple chores like laundry can be a big challenge for someone confined to a wheelchair. Sergeant Kyle knows the reality of that challenge, because he was living in a home with a top-loading machine which he was unable to use because of his physical limitations. Proud Army veteran, Kyle suffers from a degenerative spine … Continued
View my storyAlfred devoted almost 20 years of his life to the United States Navy, serving in both the OIF and OEF campaigns. During his transition to civilian life, Alfred sustained a serious spinal injury in which he lost use of his legs. Not one to be held back, Alfred sought a way to maintain and improve … Continued
View my storyMajor David spent over 12 years serving our country as a proud Marine, which included four tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. During his time in military, he severely injured his back, which required five different surgeries to repair the damage. Compounding the family’s stress was his wife’s long term illness. … Continued
View my storyArmy Sgt. Joe served during the OIF/OEF campaigns, both overseas and stateside. During his service, Joe suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and a spinal injury, and due to his debilitating injuries, was medically retired from the Army. While it is important to focus on the sacrifice Joe made for our country, there is more to … Continued
View my storyLike far too many servicemen and women returning home from their tours of duty, Dayn had trouble escaping his past. While his combat duty was recognized with a Purple Heart, Dayn was having less success receiving benefits from the VA. Because the PTSD/TBI was preventing him from working, he was unable to cover the cost … Continued
View my storyArmy Staff Sergeant Travis P. retired in 2014 after a long and distinguished career that included service in Baghdad and Mosul. Due to the injuries sustained during his time in the Army, Travis and his family were receiving retirement and disability pay. However, his government benefits account was hacked and his monthly pay was not … Continued
View my storyForty -five deployed paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army were returning home to Ft. Bragg. Away from base for many months, the soldiers were looking forward to a reunion with family and friends and a safe, warm bed to sleep in. Unfortunately, the soldiers were in need of sheets, blankets and … Continued
View my storyMarlin served in the U.S. Army for over nine years. During his service in Afghanistan, he suffered wounds that left him disabled and unable to work due to PTSD and other injuries. Returning home, Marlin and his family faced financial difficulties while awaiting his service connection pay. When they contacted SALUTE, INC., the family of … Continued
View my storyPurple Heart recipient Cesar G. was seriously wounded during his deployment by an enemy grenade which caused a traumatic brain injury leading to poor short term memory, loss of hearing in the left ear and partial hearing loss in right ear. After six years of service in the Marines, Cesar was compelled to retire due … Continued
View my storyNelson M. proudly served in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years. Traveling around the world during his time in the Navy, Nelson suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the cumulative effect of explosive blasts onboard the ship. Nelson is now confined to a wheelchair, and is living with his wife and caregiver … Continued
View my storyRoberto was deployed to Iraq three times during his 12 years of service in the Army. Despite injuries suffered during his service, Roberto is currently working and enrolled in the V.A.’s Vet Success on Campus (VSOC) program. The VSOC program aims to help veterans succeed and thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance … Continued
View my storyChrishelle K. retired from the Air Force after six years of service as a Medical Services Journeyman. Chrishelle is a 100% disabled veteran, due to traumatic brain injury and other injuries sustained during her time in the military. Overjoyed by the birth of her new baby, but concerned about the physical demands a new baby … Continued
View my storyChief Warrant Officer Tellys H. served 16 years in the Army, highlighted by his time as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot. After his separation from the Army, Tellys almost gave up his dream of flying until he found the PSA’s Rotor Transition Program. This program is partnered with Sky Warriors Flight School and trains qualified … Continued
View my storyWhen SALUTE, INC. speaks with an injured veteran, they are oftentimes reluctant to ask for assistance. Antoine P. was. In his words – “Reaching out for assistance has not been easy, especially when all my life I was the one seeking to give, in an effort to lift up someone else.” Antoine (SFC, US Army … Continued
View my storyTraveck R. (Navy, Petty Officer, Second Class) served in the Navy from 2003-2010, and was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. After his discharge, Traveck searched for a career that would utilize his skills and provide a steady income. He enrolled in a disabled veterans program at a local college and trained for a degree … Continued
View my storyColumbus Day weekend, Major James Pradke and his wife were driving to their Indiana home with their two children, ages 4 years & 6 months. He had just completed a volunteer military assignment in Illinois. In an instant, their lives were forever changed when they were struck head-on by a drunk driver going 100 mph … Continued
View my storyAugust, 2017 Update: On July 17th, over 100 generous golfers joined the DISCOVER/Palatine Hills Golf Association (PHGA) to raise money for SALUTE, INC. With the proceeds from that event, SALUTE was able to purchase a Rifton Tram for Shawn that provides daily assistance in sitting or standing transfers, as well as gait training. This sophisticated … Continued
View my storyPurple Heart recipient Sgt. Adam T., served in the US Army including one tour of duty in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. During his service in Iraq, Adam was posted near a hazardous nuclear testing facility, exposing him and his fellow soldiers to a dangerous level of radiation. All fourteen members of Adam’s unit … Continued
View my storyMatthew, a OIF veteran and former US Navy Diver, sustained multiple injuries during active duty, including a traumatic brain injury. The sole support of his family, Matthew was going through rehabilitation for his injuries. During this period, the family’s income was severely stressed and they reached out to SALUTE for assistance. SALUTE provided gift cards … Continued
View my story