On November 7, 2023, I walked into a surgical center to have my knee replaced. It was supposed to be an outpatient procedure, but I had complications related to the anesthesia. I spent the two nights as an inpatient.

While I was there, the dear friend who had accompanied me had a bad wreck while driving my truck. Thank God she was not badly injured. The truck did a great job at protecting her.

Unfortunately, the truck was a total loss. It is devastating for me emotionally. You see, it was Dennis’ truck. My last physical link to him.

This loss has taken away my independence. I have no idea how or when I will be able to buy a replacement vehicle. I am pretty sure I won’t be able to get a loan and have no clue how much the insurance company will pay. I still owe on the truck loan, so that will come right off the top.

~ Teresa

Teresa is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Widow of Dennis Olson SMSGT, U.S. Air Force, retired.

Teresa is a Potter and Artist. For 12 years she owned a teaching pottery studio in Prattville, AL until Dennis' cancer diagnosis.

We lost Dennis 4 years ago.

Warrior. Pride. Honor. Valor. All pillars of the Airman's Creed. A promise to country and to comrades, that come what may, the safety of each other and the country would be paramount. Dennis, U.S. Airman of 27 years lived and breathed this creed. As he promised his life to the country that he and his wife, Teresa (active duty for 6 years), both served, that country made promises to him. The country promised to take care of his health and his family. Dennis kept his promise. His country has not.

Dennis was an Aerospace Equipment Repairman and served during the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and served in Africa during the first outbreak of Lassa Fever.

On September 22, 2019, my Darling husband Dennis lost his battle with Cancer. He was a warrior and fought to the end, but his body just couldn’t take any more. Dennis was diagnosed in early February 2019 with Mature Large B Cell Lymphoma, the cancer took him from us less than a year later.

Dennis' VA disability claim was denied because he was unable to attend an appointment that was scheduled in another state, while he was inpatient in a VA hospital for his cancer. Without the approved disability, his widow, Teresa has been left without survivors benefits. We appealed that decision and the appeal was denied. We contacted out Senators for assistance and they stopped responding to us. We have recently re-filed the claim under the PACT act and are waiting to see what the VA decides.

Dennis and Teresa were the owners of Studio 101 Pottery in Prattville, AL for 12 years. When Dennis was battling cancer, we had to close the studio to focus on Dennis' care which involved frequent travel to the Atlanta VAMC. This closure meant a complete loss of income for Teresa. Dennis was receiving military retirement pay until his death. After his death, Teresa has been left with only her own military partial disability pay which isn't enough.

~ Katheryn