'Broken' by the Military He Turned to the VFW

Sub-zero temperatures. Running up to 15 miles a day. Shouldering 100-pound rucksacks across unforgiving terrain. It was all part of the job for Stevie Wonder Houston, 52. But after six years, the job took its toll.

"Being in the Army, especially in Fairbanks, Alaska, is difficult on the body," he explained.

Today, Houston grapples with several service-connected conditions, including degenerative disc disease, tinnitus and sleep apnea. Between the ringing in his ears, trouble sleeping and chronic pain, living the life he imagined can be difficult for Houston.

He made an appointment at his local VFW office to see about increasing his VA disability rating and was connected with VFW Accredited Service Officer Gabriel Leach.

"Unless one is trained on how to fill out the forms and how the claims process works, it can be daunting. Gabriel was professional and precise - his support meant a lot to me," Houston said.

With Leach's help, Houston secured a 100% disability rating. He hopes other veterans get the assistance they deserve, too.

"If you served in the military and the military broke something in you, physically or mentally, you earned benefits," he said. "We signed a 'blank check' for our lives when we agreed to serve. The least our government can do is take care of us after our mission is complete.

"The VFW helped ensure I was taken care of, and it can help you, as well."

Learn more about the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program.