Semper Fi for Fran-Help us Help a Vet

In March 2022 after an emergency room trip, our friend and employee Fran Boettcher received the news no one ever wants to get, Stage 3 rectal cancer. Rendering him unable to work, he has undergone months of chemotherapy followed by weeks of radiation/chemo treatment and surgery to follow. Hopefully he will be able to go back to work in 8 months.

Fran is a loving husband and father; he is also a Native American Marine Corps

Veteran. Stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1988-1992, he served in Northern

Iraq during the Gulf War protecting the Kurdish under Operation Provide

Comfort. Camp Lejeune is notorious for contaminated water causing numerous

life-threatening illnesses for many Marine Veterans and their families. While in

Northern Iraq Fran experienced chemical exposure. He cannot claim benefits

from the Camp Lejeune settlement because the cutoff to apply is one year prior to Fran living there. The VA will also deny disability for him as they have for some of his fellow service members because they cannot prove definitively that their illnesses are due to chemical exposure in Iraq. Nor will the VA admit it even happened.

The Social Security Disability process has dragged on for months and is at a

standstill. They require proof that he cannot work for an entire year. This process can take another 4 months and he is still not guaranteed approval.

This has left Fran and his wife Kirsten in a position they never imagined to be in, humbly asking for help. They are facing months more of Fran being out of work. Your help will assist them in the coming winter months for heating, utilities, groceries, and medical needs.

This is yet another case of bureaucratic red tape standing in the way of helping a Veteran. It is terrible that to help our Veterans we turn to crowdfunding instead of the government they served. If you have the means to help, we are very grateful, small amounts add up quick! If you cannot donate, sharing this with your friends would also be very appreciated.

Let’s take financial worry off a Veteran’s mind while he concentrates on beating cancer.

Semper Fi For Fran