Originally from Mesquite, Texas, veteran Alan Terry, 38, now lives in Dallas with his girlfriend Tiffany. The father of two, son, Alan Jr. and daughter Alexandria, Terry was active duty in the Army from 2001–04.
An Air Defense Operator, Terry served two tours in Iraq where he was part of Force Protection. Tasked with providing support where needed, he performed presence patrol, weapon cache raids and convoy escorts, among other things.
Today, as a result of his tours in Iraq, Terry suffers from Post Traumatic Stress, tinnitus and headaches. He has an overall service-connected disability rating of 80%, and recently, he was hospitalized and forced to miss work.
Terry searched online for support. After being denied by another organization, he was directed to the VFW Unmet Needs program and applied.
“The application process was not hard,” he said. “The toughest part of it all is actually letting go of your pride and asking for help.”
Terry is relieved he did. After missing work in recent months, he was concerned about bills. Now, he is almost caught up.
“The grant didn’t quite get me out of the hole completely, but it gave me the hope I needed to not give up. And it made my goal seem possible to reach,” he said. “I can’t think of the words to accurately express my gratitude. It saved me in more ways than you know.”
Understanding the difference this grant can make in a veteran’s life, Terry urges those who can, to give.
“To those considering donating, I would definitely recommend stopping considering, and do it!”
Learn more about the VFW’s Unmet Needs program.
