Iraqi Freedom Veteran Seeks Government Disability Grant To Get Life Back

by Nathan Ryder
(Knoxville, TN, USA)

Hello my name is Nathan. I was disabled in operation Iraqi freedom during a tour from mid-2006 to late 2007. I was an infantryman in the 3rd Stryker Brigade 2nd infantry division U.S. Army.

I was medically retired this last August and due to my physical limitations and the always-competitive job market, I am having an extremely difficult time finding an income for myself.

I have in the past few months had to move three times due to my scarce income. I was given a 60% disability rating from the Army, which turned out to be just over $1000 a month.

Just before I was retired, while looking to find a place to live upon my separation, I was forced to take out a small personal loan to ensure that I would have a place to live once I was fully separated from the military.

This personal loan dropped my monthly income to under $800. I have, just two days ago, had to cut my losses once again and moved in with my brother.

I do not have money to assist in groceries nor do I have money to assist with rent. I have applied to countless companies.

Considering my combat arms background, and then factoring in my physical limitations. I am qualified to work in job fields that my physical limitations keep me from being able to manage the workload.

Therefore I have been forced to look to the government and people I have served and sacrificed for, and humbly ask for assistance.

I joined the military at 17 years old. I took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test and scored a 116 GT and 73 overall.

I still chose to enlist in to the combat arms, and more specifically, chose to serve my time as an Army Infantryman.

I have always been dedicated to serving this country and would love to continue to be an active member in my community.

Unfortunately I am not capable of being an active member of anything if I have no monetary foundation.

I have no vehicle, I have no phone, I use a public computer and can only apply to jobs within walking distance. I can't afford to ride public transit.

I really don't know what else to do other than to seek whatever form of veteran disability grants there might be.

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