Beyond the BBQ: Service and Success This Independence Day

Jeff came to me in January of 2024. He is one of those types of guys where when you hear what all he has done, you immediately know his awards and decorations spill over into box 18 of the ole DD-214. First a Marine, then a pararescueman. You don’t see that combo-box every day. Jeff recently got a full Board grant for everything but the kitchen sink. It will make celebrating this Fourth of July that much better for him. While Jeff’s active-duty days may be over, the spirit he embodies is alive and well, and very fitting for a Fourth of July story.

Firing up the Grill

If you’re like me, there is nothing better than a hot grill on a hot Fourth of July. As we celebrate this year, the two-hundred-forty-ninth anniversary of our Nation’s conception, millions of Americans will do the same. Hamburgers. Hotdogs. Cold beer. Chips. A few stupid decisions involving cheap fireworks. But, hey, during a time when National pride is soaring (contrary to what the news may tell you), why not celebrate a little? This Fourth of July is extra special for Jeff. Why? Because his battle for the VA has come to a near end. The calvary arrived just in time, bringing him some much needed relief. I know Jeff is one proud American, and it has made me damn proud to be able to represent a true war-fighter like him.

Jack of All Trades, Master of All

You read it right. Usually, Jack is master of none. Well, not Jeff. Not only has he done it all, but he has done it all to the best of his ability, and at the highest levels. First as a Marine, then as a pararescueman, then as a civilian working for Homeland Security to protect children. As Jeff tells it, “I joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school in 1996. Like many young men, I enlisted with a desire to serve and challenge myself. After fulfilling my initial contract, I left the military with no intention of returning. But after the events of 9/11, that decision haunted me. While others stepped into the fight, I felt like I had walked away. That guilt stayed with me for years until I finally answered the call once more, this time through one of the most demanding and dangerous paths in the military: United States Air Force Pararescue. Only 4 out of 120 men made it through the brutal two-year selection process. I was one of them”.

During his five combat deployments, Jeff performed more than 40 combat rescues and carried out numerous missions alongside special operations counterparts. “My body and mind took a beating. Years of exposure to explosives, hard parachute landings, and shoulder-fired weapons left me with lasting orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury (“TBI”). A free-fall parachuting training accident in 2017 left me unconscious and, sadly, marked the beginning of a steep decline. The fatigue, vertigo, depression, and memory issues that followed made it impossible to ignore”.

“After nearly 17 years of service, I was medically retired. I tried to continue serving by joining the HERO Child Rescue Corps, a Homeland Security program that trains veterans in digital forensics to combat child exploitation. But the job was more than my brain could handle. I resigned after six months and finally accepted that it was time to slow down and focus on healing”.

“That's when things really got tough. I could not function like I used to. Simple tasks became difficult. My tolerance for stress was gone. I felt like a shadow of my former self. I went from being an elite warfighter to feeling useless, a burden on my wife, who ultimately left her six-figure job to care for me full time”.

Turning to the VA for Help

Jeff, like many post 9/11 Veterans, was beginning to understand the ramifications of life with a TBI. It is one of the toughest pills to swallow. I can only imagine for someone like Jeff. You go from being an elite war-fighter to needing help to walk down the hall due to the dizzy spells. That’s when Jeff turned to the VA for help. “We turned to the VA for help, but every claim we submitted was denied. We fought every decision, appealing one after another. It felt endless. In 2023, after a particularly crushing denial for Aid and Attendance and Special Monthly Compensation”. Jeff came to me shortly after, and I was onboard. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Jeff and his wife have been incredible to work with. You won’t come across finer folks. I knew Jeff needed relief—fast—more like yesterday. Jeff had two complex issues. Special Monthly Compensation and the Caregiver program. I knew getting him before a Judge would be his best bet. But, also knew that could take years, time Jeff, nor his wife, had. Once we got his appeal docketed, we filed a Motion for Advancement. To my surprise, we got zero pushback from the Board. If you ask Jeff, he would probably give me all the credit. The truth is, Jeff just had the truth on his side. The evidence was just…there.

Now that his appeal was advanced, it came time for the hearing. As I say, his appeal was legally complicated. Having the opportunity to a hearing helps clarify and issues with the Judge, as well as lay out an iron clad case. After talking things over with Jeff, we agreed to pull out all the bells and whistles during the hearing. Not only would him and his wife testify, but we brought in a Board-Certified Neurologist to testify as an expert witness on his behalf. I think the Judge was pretty impressed. The hearing couldn’t have gone better. Now for that gut wrenching wait between the hearing and the actual decision. Which, can drive anyone crazy.

Just in Time for the Fourth

The decision we got? Well, Jeff says it best. “The outcome changed our lives. My wife can now stay home and care for me without the constant anxiety of how we are going to pay the mortgage or keep the lights on. We are finally able to afford the therapies, supplements, and medications the VA will not cover. These treatments have given me some sense of control over my health and healing”. Jeff got an outstanding decision from the Board for everything but the kitchen sink. While the Judge had to remand his caregiver appeal, his final battle, the battle with the VA, is near an end. To think, all this came in time for Independence Day.

I am so thankful for Jeff, for Americans just like him who have answered the call. You guys are what make the Fourth of July both special, and possible.

Jeff, it may have been your privilege to serve, but is has been my privilege of a lifetime to go to bat for you, and every Veteran I represent. Your service speaks for itself. You are a true warrior and an outstanding American. I hope this Fourth of July will be just that more special.

Godspeed.

Photos courtesy of MSgt. Jeff.