Hello, I'm Megan Kennedy . I'm a disabled U.S. Army Veteran who takes pride in my career in public service and my extensive volunteer work. Due to the hard work I've put in over my lifetime, I never thought I would be at the point of asking for financial help. We all know that life happens, and to move forward personally and in my career, I'm reaching out. When I joined the Army Reserve after 9/11, I understood I was headed to Afghanistan and might die. Instead, I was injured almost immediately, and like many of my fellow service members, was discouraged from seeking medical treatment in basic training. This led to an early discharge, permanent disabilities, a lack of GI Bill, and over $100,000 in student loans, which I used to obtain 2 associate's degrees, 2 bachelor's degrees, and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration to help other veterans avoid my fate.

In the past decade, I've experienced unemployment 3 times and underemployment almost constantly. Positions I thought would be my career led to retaliation for refusing to accept law-breaking and whistleblowing. I have used SNAP and other veterans resources multiple times to help avoid food insecurity and eviction. Currently, a Canadian husband who abandoned me, and I cannot locate him for a divorce, as well as debt from times of unemployment in the last decade, is holding me back from advancing in my new career as a public servant. My goal is to clear enough of my non-student loan debt to demonstrate my dedication to serving my country.