Student Loan Repayment Grant For IBS And PTSD Disabled Army OIF Veteran

by Marianne Toohey
(Taunton, MA, USA)

At camp in Iraq

My name is Marianne Toohey and I was an E5 in the Army National Guard for eight years.

I served in Iraq in 2003 with the 220th QM Team out of Plymouth, MA. I am now a veteran as my eight-year enlistment was completed in February of 2006.

My reasons for writing this letter are many, starting with my time in Iraq. Since my return, I have endured what seems like an endless series of unfortunate circumstances.

First and foremost, while I was overseas I was extremely ill. I went through eight visits to the doctor before ending up in the hospital from serious dehydration and weight loss.

After some testing, I found out that I had a stomach disorder called IBS due to the stress of being over there.

On top of that, I learned while I was away that the company I had been working for when I left was being sold.

Needless to say, when I came home, I had the fact that I was losing my job to deal with on top of dealing with PTSD, nightmares and the transition of coming home again.

I returned to work for two months when I came home, and was then laid off.

After I returned home from Iraq, I had a horrible time dealing with stress in regards to anything and everything.

I had to leave two jobs because I couldn't handle the smallest amount of stress or responsibility.

Everything was irritating to me and I had no patience. I felt as if I was losing myself, like I was losing my mind. Because of that, I have lost a lot.

I was forced to move out of my apartment due to numerous late rent payments, even though I was paid current.

I had to sell my living room furniture, along with some other belongings, just to pay my car payments so I wouldn't lose my car.

I know am blessed to have come home alive, but I have been struggling ever since. I currently go to therapy, and take both anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication.

I have since moved out to my own place again. I have a full-time job I have been at for four years now.

Although I am happy to be out of my mother's apartment, I am in serious financial distress with rent and all of my other bills.

In the last year I have had to put $2500 worth of repairs into my car. I simply cannot afford a new car right now and I need my vehicle to get to work.

I currently owe $45,427.90 for my student loan. I have accrued over $13,000 in interest from having to put it in forbearance so many times.

I have sent many emails and letters in search of some help, all in vain. So I've come to the conclusion that there is no help because the SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program) was not in my contract. I can thank my recruiter for that.

I am in desperate need of some financial assistance. I don't know if there is anything you can do to help my situation, but I thought there would be no harm done in asking.

I would be so grateful and so appreciative of any help you can offer me. A couple months rent would be so helpful. I have tried with so many other organizations and none of them will help me.

I filed a claim with the VA, but I was denied. I applied a second time and was just denied again. Thank you very kindly for your time and consideration. God Bless.