In Memory of John Okula US Navy Vet
Donazione protetta
We reached our initial goal of $5,000! With funeral costs reaching $10,000 our initial goal seemed unlikely. With the generosity and love of amazing people, we reached our first goal. Please continue to support our goal!!!!
John Gilbert Okula of Northport, New York, passed away suddenly on Oct. 17, 2016.
I wanted to bring to light a personal story that hits very close to home to some major issues, the way our United States Veterans are treated. I'm writing to you on behalf of my close friend Kerri Okula, her husband of just two years John Gilbert Okula a United States Veteran of the U.S. Navy took his own life last week.
John served his country at a young age and was honorably discharged after 10 months, yet the effects of his service lasted his lifetime. John suffered from PTSD, he originally sought help from the VA upon leaving the Navy in 2001. He struggled throughout the years but met and married his wife in August of 2014. They had recently each taken teaching jobs in Delaware where they found an apartment and began their lives together. On the outside, their lives were perfect and to most the problems were invisible.
Just last week, while he was having trouble at work he felt he needed to talk to someone. He reached out to the VA in Delaware and asked for help. He told them he needed to speak to someone. He was told that since he was new to the state, he would first need to see a social worker. He was given an appointment in December, which was later cancelled because the doctor was on vacation.
A few short days later, John Okula took his own life.
Close friends of Kerri and I wanted to help, we set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for the funeral since John did not have life insurance. The more we shared and raised the funds the more we felt like I needed to do more.
I reach out to you to tell John's story. I personally have always been a huge supporter of the Military and our Veterans, yet even so looking back I can see how naive I was to the real issues... how our Veterans are treated until it hits so close to home. Men and women who have fought and served or country should never be put on the back burner. They deserve so much better. I can't help but wonder if John had the opportunity to speak to someone, would things have been different.
I'm reaching out on behalf of his wife Kerri, who's strength is remarkable...unlike I have ever seen. With her blessing, I reach out to you to give John a voice. To tell his story. To maybe save a life. To maybe make a difference.
Anyone who knew John, knew he had a huge heart and would always help.
As difficult as it is to ask for help, John's wife and family are in need of help to pay for the funeral arrangements, honor this man, and send him to rest in peace. He will be laid to rest with honors.
John Gilbert Okula of Northport, New York, passed away suddenly on Oct. 17, 2016.
I wanted to bring to light a personal story that hits very close to home to some major issues, the way our United States Veterans are treated. I'm writing to you on behalf of my close friend Kerri Okula, her husband of just two years John Gilbert Okula a United States Veteran of the U.S. Navy took his own life last week.
John served his country at a young age and was honorably discharged after 10 months, yet the effects of his service lasted his lifetime. John suffered from PTSD, he originally sought help from the VA upon leaving the Navy in 2001. He struggled throughout the years but met and married his wife in August of 2014. They had recently each taken teaching jobs in Delaware where they found an apartment and began their lives together. On the outside, their lives were perfect and to most the problems were invisible.
Just last week, while he was having trouble at work he felt he needed to talk to someone. He reached out to the VA in Delaware and asked for help. He told them he needed to speak to someone. He was told that since he was new to the state, he would first need to see a social worker. He was given an appointment in December, which was later cancelled because the doctor was on vacation.
A few short days later, John Okula took his own life.
Close friends of Kerri and I wanted to help, we set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for the funeral since John did not have life insurance. The more we shared and raised the funds the more we felt like I needed to do more.
I reach out to you to tell John's story. I personally have always been a huge supporter of the Military and our Veterans, yet even so looking back I can see how naive I was to the real issues... how our Veterans are treated until it hits so close to home. Men and women who have fought and served or country should never be put on the back burner. They deserve so much better. I can't help but wonder if John had the opportunity to speak to someone, would things have been different.
I'm reaching out on behalf of his wife Kerri, who's strength is remarkable...unlike I have ever seen. With her blessing, I reach out to you to give John a voice. To tell his story. To maybe save a life. To maybe make a difference.
Anyone who knew John, knew he had a huge heart and would always help.
As difficult as it is to ask for help, John's wife and family are in need of help to pay for the funeral arrangements, honor this man, and send him to rest in peace. He will be laid to rest with honors.
Organizzatore e beneficiario
Nicole Danielle
Organizzatore
Farmingdale, NY
Kerri Okula
Beneficiario
