Support Phil and Vader's Recovery Journey

My name is Phil, myself and my service dog Vader were in a car accident and we lost everything.

This may be one of the hardest and most embarrassing things I have ever done.

Last month I was given a huge opportunity for a new job In texas. It was a dream job and I really needed it.

I moved here to the beach from North Carolina last year after leaving the Marine Corps after 18 years of service and then losing my wife during covid. I needed some beach therapy, and made this community my home. I loved being here, and was disappointed to leave, however the offer was a really huge opportunity, so I packed up all my belongings, made a bed for my service dog, a black lab named Vader, in the truck and headed west.

I got to Mississippi and was in a car accident. A young man driving a SUV at over 100mph rear ended me after trying to swerve across 3 lanes to pass me and another truck on the shoulder.

The wreck totaled my truck, scattered my belongings across the highway and into the brush and woods, broke my dog's front leg, snapped my collar bone, dislocated my shoulder and left me with a lot of bad bruises and a mild concussion. He was ticketed and solely at fault, he and his passenger were transported via life flight, his vehicle rolled a dozen times after hitting mine rolling me and sending me into a ditch.

To make matters worse, the driver was not insured. From his appearance I am pretty sure he spent the insurance money on Meth. I had only basic coverage on my old truck, so it's a total loss. Mississippi has no uninsured driver provisions.

I spent the night in the hospital, was released, got my baby from the vet (cost me what little I did have left), and got on a bus back here. The job offer has been rescinded, they told me to check in after I have healed up and am in texas ready to work.

I now have nothing left. I gave up my condo and job here, got rid of most of my belongings and furniture, all planning a new start in Dallas.

I made it back home, and got a cheap airbnb for a few days. I have found a good job starting the 21st, and another part time job at night starting next friday night..

Asking for help like this is not something I have ever done, I just don't have anything left or any way to get through these next few days. Never in my life did I think I could be a day or 2 away from being homeless. The accident robbed me of everything. The VA does not have programs for emergency assistance like my situation. I just need to make it through a few days till I am back on my feet.