A Veterans Plea for Support and Understanding
As I sit here, reflecting on the past few years of my life, I'm met with a mix of emotions - frustration, disappointment, and a deep sense of exhaustion. The cumulative effect of various challenges has taken a toll on my physical and mental well-being, leaving me feeling like I'm running on empty.
Here are the key events that led me to reach this breaking point:
After leaving the military at 23, my health began a gradual decline. Now, nearly all my joints cause me weakness and pain, making everyday activities a struggle. I often find myself stretching throughout the day and night, just to manage the discomfort. I never shared my pain until recent years so my coworkers would stop thinking negatively and calling me lazy.
I've spent 10 years working for the UFC, where my wages have remained stagnant. Each time I requested a raise, I was talked down to and disrespected. The final straw came when I requested a raise via email, sharing information about inflation, and was told that I was lucky they kept me on as long as they did with my disabled hand the way it was.
My Las Vegas union job has been marred by corruption. The business agent was caught falsifying time sheets, but instead of being held accountable, he was promoted. He got his job after FreemanAV caught him falsifying time sheets, aka stealing. I had to take to social media to get them to do their job and get me paid, and when I did, he retaliated by ordering our main employer Encore to fire me as well as removed me from the dispatch system somehow. Despite my 20-year career, I've been unable to find work since then.
Feeling like a burden on my family, who has been supporting me, has been a significant emotional weight. I've struggled to provide for them, and the stress has taken a toll on our relationships.
The VA denied my claim for the adverse reaction I suffered after being forced to take the anthrax vaccine. The doctor insisted on continuing the injections, despite my bodies negative reaction seen by the growth on the injection site, and the long-term health consequences have been devastating.
Our visa request was denied, and USCIS lied about sending us a request for necessary documents. This has led to homelessness, and I've been forced to couch surf between family homes for the past 1.5 years. My past landlord and lawyer both confirmed that USCIS sent nothing. This is not the first time we've faced issues, as USCIS has denied our visa request multiple times over the past 10 years. The hypocrisy of USCIS's actions, given their leniency towards illegal immigrants, has been particularly galling. According to reports, the US has allowed 10-20 million illegals in, giving them iphones, food stamps, cash aid, and long-term hotel stays, while I've been left to fend for myself.
To add insult to injury, I've also been scammed out of over 7 Bitcoin by a registered UK investment firm, Amfeix, which is still online today at https://amfeix.com/. This experience has left me feeling vulnerable and frustrated, and it's just one example of the many ways in which individuals can fall victim to financial scams.
As I look back on these events, I'm reminded of the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. It's okay to acknowledge when you've reached your limit and need to take a step back. For me, that means re-evaluating my priorities and seeking support from loved ones and professionals.
A Tragic Reality: Veteran Suicide
As I reflect on my own struggles, I'm reminded of the even greater challenges faced by my fellow veterans. According to recent data, an average of 17 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. However, this number is likely underreported, and some sources suggest that the actual number could be significantly higher. In fact, some estimates quote upwards of 22 veterans committing suicide daily.
This heartbreaking statistic serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the complex issues surrounding veteran mental health and providing meaningful support to those who have served our country. The true scope of the crisis is likely far more devastating than what is currently reported.
Here are some key statistics:
If you're struggling with similar challenges, know that you're not alone. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but don't be afraid to reach out for help. Will I keep fighting or succumb to my daily thoughts of giving up and become another statistic? I don't know, yet feel I owe it to my family to stick it out and keep fighting and certain without them I would be gone and forgotten already.
