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“We thank God for the good and the bad. Not a day goes by that we don’t give thanks for what we’ve been given,” said Diane Whitlow, Parrottsville, Tenn.
Like many families facing an unexpected deployment, Don and Diane Whitlow struggle financially. Diane has fibromyalgia and has not worked in 12 years, leaving Don the main family breadwinner.
Reservist and Vietnam veteran, Don was serving his second tour in Iraq. Month-by-month, the Whitlows fell behind on their bills.
“I chose to forgo monthly bill payments to send Don necessities while he was deployed … I wanted to put him first,” explained Diane.
Last June, the Whitlows suffered a devastating blow when their home burnt to the ground. In a state of shock and dismay, Diane believed things couldn’t possibly be worse.
“We lost everything in our house … everything,” Diane said.
Two days later she heard from Don. Happy for his call, but reluctant to tell him about the fire, she was shocked to hear more bad news.
While working on a vehicle, Don fell and severely injured his knee and left shoulder. He was in need of serious medical attention. Helpless, Diane visited with Family Support Specialist, Gloria Hawthorne. She informed Diane about VFW Unmet Needs.
“It was like a breath of fresh air … the tides finally turned in our favor!” Diane shared.
Diane applied for an emergency grant. She received her approval letter and couldn’t e-mail Don fast enough.
“There were so many emotions in my e-mail—happiness, excitement, shock. Don was simply relieved.”
With VFW’s help, the Whitlows got back on track with their truck payments, one hurdle overcome.
“We are so thankful for the VFW and this program. The help we received was humbling, and we ask God to bless you each and every day. We salute you,” she said. | 
