My husband, Michael James, joined the Army in the year 2004. He did his training for artillery school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After successfully completing his training, he went on to be stationed at Camp Casey, Korea for one year. During this time he was assaulted with a rivet puller by another service member. As a result of this Michael was left with a head injury.  After he completed his tour in Korea, he was stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas with an artillery unit that would soon deploy to Iraq. He was stationed in Iraq for over a year during which time he sustained multiple head injuries. One event in particular he was ejected from the gunner’s hatch of his vehicle after the vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED).  After his deployment, he changed his job to Petroleum Specialist and was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas.  He was stationed there from November 2008 to September 2010.

Michael began to have seizures in July 2010. After multiple doctors and multiple doctor appointments he was diagnosed with epilepsy due to traumatic brain injury. At this time he was seeing three neurologists.  All three doctors had him taking ten pills a day and he was still having seizures. The doctors advised him not to drive, carry a weapon, work at heights, swim, walk long distances, or be left alone for long periods of time, as a sudden loss of consciousness would be hazardous to his health and others.  This alone made his PTSD, depression, and anxiety worse.  He was living off post during this time. Being unable to drive to and from work and with no one in his chain of command taking responsibility for making sure he had a ride or pick him up, resulted in multiple  AWOL charges. He was given an article 15 and stripped of his Sergeant (E-5) rank and given the rank of private (E-1). As part of his punishment he was given extra duty which had to work until midnight every day for thirty days. During this time he had multiple seizures and was deemed AWOL.  When he was well enough to come in for morning report, his change of command had him placed in the brig at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he stayed for over a month.  From his physical profile he was recommended for a medical evaluation board (MEB), which he was never processed for. Michael’s first four years of service was deemed “honorable”, he resigned his contract with the Army for another four years while he was in Iraq. He was released from the Army in Fort Riley, Kansas with an “other than honorable” discharge.

I joined the U.S Army in June of 2007, after I graduated from Pell City High School. I did my basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and then I went on to Fort Lee, Virginia where I trained to be a unit supply specialist. After I successfully completed my training I went on to be stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. In October 2008, I was medically discharged from the Army due to a back and hip injuries. My husband got stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas in November 2008. After he was released from the military, I was his caregiver. I had to drop out of college to work more hours to provide for us. After months of trying to pay rent for our apartment and bills we could no longer afford to live alone. We moved to Marion, Indiana in September 2010 to live with my sister-in-law and her family. After living there for over two years, we were forced to move. We had nowhere else to go, so we moved to Alabama in June of 2013. My husband and I currently are living in my childhood room in my parents’ house. My husband is unemployed and I am an AmeriCorps Vista that works for Lakeside Hospice.

Years later we are still fighting for his VA benefits and for a better discharge. Matt Bein, CEO of MAPS and Otto Fox, President of MAPS has helped my husband in a lot of different ways.  With the help of Jeffrey Samoranski, the St. Clair/ Blount County Veterans Service Officer, my husband was able to file the paperwork to receive his GI Bill benefits. He is at the St. Clair County court house in Pell City on Tuesday-Thursday 8:30-3:30pm. For more information please call Jeff at (205)338-7315.  We are hopeful that Michael will be able to start college this May. I know that there are more stories like the one you just read. Don’t be afraid to get help and ask questions. Even if it takes years to get what you deserve, don’t give up. “ For the fighting man, peace is sure”. For more information please call (205)884-1111 and ask for Elise or Helen.

Upcoming events:

—March 6- Veteran’s Corner Stone Café @ Eden Westside Baptist Church, Bldg. F. Time: 10:00 a.m. This group allows Veteran’s, Military Persons and their families to engage in fellowship and discuss issues that they face.  Hosted By: Lakeside Behavioral Services, Alabama Head Injury Foundation and Always There in Home Care Light refreshments served. Call 205-884-1111 for more information.

—March 6- Breakfast for the Braves. This is a breakfast for all first responders to show appreciation for all that they do. This event is held at Eden Westside Baptist Church at 9:00am. Hosted by Eden Westside Baptist Church. For more information call (205) 405-1468 and ask for Angie.

—March 10- Lakeside Hospice Grief Support meets every Monday at 2:00 p.m. at 4010 Masters Road, Pell City.  Share your hurts with others that are hurting.  We are here to listen. For more information call 205-884-1111.

—March 10- Please join our grief support group at Springville First United Methodist Church, 6471 US Hwy 11, Springville AL 35146.  205-467-7866. Time 5:30-6:30 Hosted by Lakeside Hospice 205-884-1111.

—March 10- Please join our grief support group at Oxford First Baptist Church, 95 East Oak Street, Oxford Al 36203. This is a chance to talk about the hurt you feel. This group meets weekly on Mondays at 11:00am. For more information please call Brother Bill Pruitt at (256) 404-5871.

—March 11- Grief Support Group, The Encouragers, meets at Mt View Baptist Church of Childersburg at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.  Come talk to others who are still hurting. Hosted by Lakeside Hospice. For more information call 205-884-1111

—March 11- P.T.S.D group meets every Tuesday at the Pell City Civic Center from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.This group allows Veteran’s, Military persons and their families to fellowship and discuss issues that they face. Hosted by M.A.P.S (military assistance personal support).  Dinner is provided. For more information call (205) 884-1111.

—March 12- Eden Westside Baptist Church on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00 PM. To join our exciting and growing Power Lunch meetings, call the church office at 205-338-7711 to book your seat. You can also make your reservation by emailing our Church Secretary at denisemiller@edenwestside.org This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    A donation of $6.00 is encouraged from all participants to cover the cost of the meal. Rev. Jacky Connell speaks to business leaders about developing skills in being successful leaders in an ever changing world.

—March 20-  Operation Battle “C” @ Eden Westside Baptist Church, Bldg. F. This focuses on Cancer in Veterans and Military Persons.  Family members also encouraged to attend. Time: 10:00am. Hosted by Lakeside Hospice 205-884-1111.  Light refreshments served.