Help Us Through the Loss of Peter, a Veteran and Loving Dad

On July 3rd, 2025, we lost Peter Vandegrift to the war within his mind. Peter was a veteran who suffered from PTSD and worked so hard to try and be the best version of himself for his family. He was an outstanding father, a loving husband, and an all-around excellent man. Peter was also the sole breadwinner for his family and, as a result, his wife, a pregnant full-time student nearing graduation, and soon-to-be three children are left without a plan or the funds to continue.

Currently, the plan is to apply for veterans survivors' benefits for spouses to supplement our income and have my mother join us in Reno to help with the children until I am done with school. The problem is that my mother cannot immediately retire and join us until November at the earliest. So, after calculating the expenses for his funeral and basic necessities we have decided on $20,000 as a number that would get us through this difficult time.

The cost breakdown is as follows:

Cremation: ~$1,500

Funeral: ~$1,000

Four months of rent: $11,200

Four months of energy bills: $960

Four months of car payments: $2,200

Four months of car insurance: $928

Four months of trash/water bills: $480

Four months of internet bills (for homework): $436

Four months of diapers: $400

Four months of groceries: $600

Totaling up to $19,704, but rounded up to cover extras like gas or expenses like a new car seat for Pete and Camila's youngest, expected in October 2025.

My family and I understand that this is a lot to ask from our community, and do not expect to get the full amount. I will also be looking into grants, as suggested by friends, to support those facing unexpected deaths and difficulties, as well as trying to get my substitute teaching license. Times are tough for everyone, but we hope that with some help, we can keep the kids safe, fed, and give them the stability he would have wanted for them until I can get on my feet and graduate with a career that can support our children and give them the life they deserve.