Thank you! We are Complete!

Dear friends,

Reaching out for help is not in my nature, and is done as a last resort.  I am seeking some friends to offer assistance which enables me to continue my fight with the Veterans Admin and Social Security.  Both which are under appeal. 

My service to this country has been as a member of the following:

-(USAF) from 1974-83 serving as an air passenger and cargo technician, with assignments to New Jersey, Delaware, Texas, California and the South Pacific (Enewetak Atoll).  I was honorably discharged in 1983 with the rank of E6 - Technical Sergeant.

-(Cal National Guard) from 1985- 90 serving as a military police officer as an E6 Staff Sergeant, and after graduating from the California Military Academy, I served as a Military Police Office, Platoon Leader as an officer, Second lieutenant.

-(US Army Reserves) from 1990- 93 serving as a military police officer after graduating from the California Military Academy. I served as a Military Police Office, Platoon Leader as (O1E) Second lieutenant. I left the service honorably in 1993.

I have been unable to find gainful employment due to my restrictions place on me due to a number of medically treated issues.  Your help augments my VA Compensation, today at $654 to offset my ongoing household expenses. 

Please watch the above video, as well as this one which shares with you my current situation, and the basis of my request.


Hear my story, and the fight I am in gaining government recognition to my Atomic Veteran service. Courtesy of KREM News.

My VA Disability Status

I am 40% rated by the V.A. with two appeals, and secondary claims under review, it is anticipated that these can be resolved by end of year.  I have unrated service connected issues under review.

My diagnosis

I have been diagnosed with initial onset of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) of the spine, degenerative disc disease, along with focal gliosis of the spinal cord, and Scaroilliitis and reactive arthritis, which limit my movement and effects my spine, neck, and back.   Further issues consist of asthma and moderate obstructive airway disease which limits my ability to work in a gainful manner.

News Coverage

My local new station conducted an interview and news story on my plight, and cause I am fighting.   My claim is seeking VA and SSA disability ratings due to my service as an unclassified Atomic Veteran.  My service in service, being part of the Enewetak Atoll Radiological Clean-up project exposed me to ion-radiation, atomic blast debris and other contamination.

Social Security Disability Claim

I have a pending SSA claim, reaching a hearing officer on June 15, 2017 with a decision, resolving my claim by the end of the year.

Veteran Service Officer

I have a My VSO who is Darryl Heisey, from Post Falls Idaho Veteran services helping with any VA appeal issues if needed. So far it looks good for a favorable decision.

God Bless!  Thank you for your donation.

With a humble heart, I ask you to give to my campaign which will help go a long way covering my household expenses until claim settlement.

Sincerely, with love, compassion and humility.

Cordially, Jeff Fortin, Atomic Veteran 
-US Air Force (TSgt E6)
-California National Guard (SSgt E6, 2LT)
-California Military Academy (Cadet E6)
-US Army (2LT)

Learn more about Enewetak Atoll and its Veterans 

The Enewetak Atoll Veterans 

International Air Terminal - Enewetak Atoll - 1978

My first day of USAF Basic Training (AB) - 1975

My days at Enewetak Atoll (SRA) - 1978