A Veteran's Story

Imagine graduating from high school and wanting nothing more than to serve in the military, but you receive a notice from the Armed Services disqualifying you from all branches due to a birth defect. Now imagine seeing the devastation our country felt on 9/11 and wanting so deeply to serve our country that you fight hard through an appeal process and in early 2002 you raise your hand and promise to spare nothing, even your life, to defend our country. Well this story is about my oldest son who did just that. I invite you to read the timeline of his life and, if you are so moved, please help him recover just a small part of what he has lost since 2002. 1980 - Born with acute club foot 1981 - First of 8 surgeries ranging from 6 months of age to 11 yrs. 1999 - Received notice disqualifying him from all military service because of the foot 2001 - Fought for and received reversal of medical disqualification and joined the Army 2003 - First tour to Iraq (12 mos) 2005 - Second tour to Iraq (12 mos) 2005 - Both younger brothers joined the military 2009 - Third tour to Iraq (9 mos) 2011 - Younger brother killed 2011 - Wife (Army) diagnosed with rare and terminal form of cancer 2012 -Youngest brother killed 2014 -Wife received transfer to Michigan and he was given a "compassionate reassignment" to follow her and care for her until she passed 2015 - Wife dies 2016 - Falls in love with Gwen 2016 - Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Surgery to remove what they could. Some cancer remains. He will be followed closely by doctors 2017 - Sold the house he bought with his wife and bought house with Gwen. 2017 - May - Signed contract with Tim da Painter for total cost of 80,000 to remodel and build an addition on the house 2017 - June- Moved into the house while under construction with she and her four children. 2017 - August - Married 2017 - October - Contractor abandoned the construction project after having spent every dime of 75,500 veteran had paid out to him. Nothing in the house was completed. Addition is up, plumbing and heating in, but no drywall. He and wife sleeping on mattress on the floor in the basement. 2018 - February - Received medical discharge from Army and determined to be 100% disabled 2018 - February - Served papers filed in court by electrician for $25,000 in unpaid electrical work. Tim da Painter claims he was never paid by Chris. Not only did he pay Tim 75,500 of the total cost of 80,000 the project was to cost, he also spent $20,000 over and above the 75,500 to keep the project going and make the house liveable. As of this date, this 100% disabled vet has $600 to hold him over until he receives his first payment from the VA on 4/1. His immediate needs are to be able to pay his mortgage and bills for the next 2 months. He also needs legal help, as well as needing to get his home completed so he can finally relax and enjoy life again. The toughest thing for him in all of this is having to ask for help...now, after having handled everything that life has thrown at him....he feels defeated. "Like a dog with my tail tucked between my legs." If you cannot help monetarily, please share this campaign far and wide! Thanking you in advance, Heidi Sych