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Spc. John Lanman and his wife, Robin, were beginning their new life together. With two boys—Blaine, 4, and Phoenix, 2—and a baby girl on the way, their hands were already pretty full.
Complicating an already hectic situation, John, an E4 for the 293rd Indiana National Guard unit, was called in to active duty earlier this year. Robin was left to raise two young boys and pay the bills—alone.
“In order to catch up on more important bills, we had to skip paying others. It seemed like we were swimming in debt. I was at my wit’s end,” remembers Robin.
Robin was determined to find a solution. A trip to the Family Assistance department at Ft. Wayne, Ind., provided the relief the family needed.
“The ladies there helped me find the resources I needed to get back on track. The first group to respond was VFW Unmet Needs.”
VFW Unmet Needs was able to help the Lanmans with their unpaid bills. They provided the necessary funds to get them out of debt as well as some useful tips to help things go smoother in the future.
“This meant so much to me and my family. We were able to keep my house and turn the heat back on. It helped me keep my sanity at an already stressful time,” she said.
The help couldn’t have come at a better time for Robin and her family. With their debt eliminated, their credit in balance and their bills paid on time, things are going “110% better.”
Now, the family can focus on welcoming a new member to their happy home. In the meantime, Robin is forever thankful for the support VFW Unmet Needs provided.
“It is hard for families of deployed soldiers, and the VFW has shown me that we are not alone, and there is help,” Robin reflected.
In 2004, Vermont American Power Tool Accessories committed $1.25 million to VFW Unmet Needs over five years. Their ongoing generosity ensures that 100% of your donations to VFW Unmet Needs can be dedicated directly to support the program. | 
