My father passed away unexpectedly. Unfortunately, I had to have a major operation on my hip a few hours after I found my father. The surgery has left me almost completely immobile for 3 months. I am on crutches with a hip brace that will only allow me 30 degrees of motion. I am also non-weight bearing for 3 months. I have to move my father’s belongings out of his home prior to July 1st so I’m left with no choice other than hiring movers and a storage unit at my own expense.

I had expected that my father’s funeral would have been free since he was a completely disabled Vietnam veteran. After speaking with the VA, I was told the only thing they cover is his burial plot at a national cemetery. I am left to pay all the costs for the funeral home and cremation. Their basic services are over $5k. The VA will only reimburse $300 toward funeral home services. They only offer to cover all costs for active duty military personnel. Between all the costs for my surgery, my father’s funeral expenses, and the cost of moving his belongings will be leaving me $15k out of pocket.

I am hoping to raise enough to at least give my father a funeral. He had so many people who loved him dearly. He deserves a proper funeral. He signed up to join the military right out of high school and served this country. I hope that his choice to serve others will be a good deed repaid by others.

He was a wonderful father. He was a great friend to many. He was my biggest supporter. He encouraged me through some of the most difficult things I’ve ever endured. He never let me feel alone in my own grief. He would do anything he could to help others. He was definitely one of the good ones who was taken too soon.