David Hall, 37, served for three years in the Army as an E-4 specialist. During a tour in Iraq, he sustained several injuries. Today, he copes with the effects of a gunshot and shrapnel wounds and 28 concussions.
He and his wife, Stacie, live in Tyrone, Georgia, with their four children, Lincoln, Harley, Avery and Peyton. Toward the end of last year, the couple was searching for financial assistance.
“We got into a bind,” Stacie said. “For weeks, I went back and forth with different organizations, filling out applications and getting paperwork. On top of that, we were trying to pull off Christmas. I was exhausted.”
David reached out to Bren Briggs, a fellow veteran and founder of The Eden Project, a veteran support group. Briggs directed David to the VFW’s Unmet Needs program.
“When we got approved by the VFW, I just cried. It meant so much,” Stacie said.
It was not easy to ask for help, she explained, but they are glad they did. The family was able to enjoy the holidays and begin the new year on a positive note. And David realized that his service had not been forgotten.
“When I told David about the grant, I could see the relief on his face. His entire demeanor changed,” Stacie said. “I think it made him feel good knowing that because of what he’s done for the country, complete strangers respect him and are willing to help in a time of need.”
Stacie encourages those who can to donate to the VFW.
“You never know what someone is going through or how much your selfless act of kindness can change their whole month!” she said.
Today, Stacie and David are focused on the future and appreciative of those who helped them reach this point.
“The months of uncertainty were very hard on both of us. Knowing that it could affect our children was unbearable,” Stacie said. “But this wonderful organization and the wonderful people who contribute to it changed everything.
“We try to be grateful for every single day that God gives us, and we don’t take anything for granted. Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Learn more about the VFW’s Unmet Needs program.
