Veteran in need of help

I contemplated long and hard before I turned to this venue and all of you with my story and what has turned into a last hope for my business, employees, and myself.

I am the owner of a Niceville, Florida small, Service Disabled Veteran owned business. I started my business 15 years ago after my retirement from the U.S. Navy. I vowed to run my business with integrity, fairness and treat the business and it’s employees as an extension of my own family. As with many small businesses, there have been the routine ups and downs, but we currently find that the low that we’ve hit may not be recoverable on our own.

Our troubles began in March of 2020 when we were selected as sub-contractors on a job for the U.S. Navy. Had the job been executed as planned by each tier of contractors, it would have left our company thriving. Unfortunately, there were issue after issue on each tier which undoubtably rolls downhill. A few examples: job start delays, hurricanes, prime contractors neglecting to disperse vital information. We solicited change orders and were denied, and our requests were withheld from the Navy. The job that was supposed to save us has ended up potentially putting us out of business.

Without change orders, this six-week job, turned into a three-month job. This required re-allocation of funds to maintain payroll and a substantial amount or other expenses went un-paid.

Since the completion of this job, we have had no major work to catch bills up or keep bills paid. The situation has deteriorated, and I’ve begun to sell personal items and equipment of my own to be able to pay business expenses and payroll.

We have gone to extensive effort to have the contractors and government agencies held accountable. We have solicited assistance through state and government agencies. Unfortunately, no one to include Senator Rubio's office could offer much help.

On December 21st the IRS, without warning, vacated the entire balance of our business bank account to $0.00, with a substantial standing garnishment. I have called and left numerous messages for the IRS agent. I have received no return calls. They do not answer. I cannot pay any bills for the company.

It is with a heavy, humble heart, I share my story and ask for any assistance in keeping this small, local Service Disabled Veteran business going. Thank you form the bottom of my heart.