A Story

Young Veteran couple, Veteran joined at 18 years old. Married 2 year of service. Spent 4 years in service and decided to ETS (Leave service). Veteran had a child on the way, due a month after his ETS date. His wife left early so she didn’t have to travel from Texas to Minnesota in her 9th month to set up what they needed in Minnesota.

Income: Military income provided, Basic Pay, Health Insurance, Housing, and discounts on food, and living expenses. He was a Specialist/E-4. $1,300 a month base pay.

Their bills included: Truck payment and car with insurance: $800, Food: $200.00, Internet: $50, and Cell Phones: $120 month. They had $0 in savings. They lived pay check to pay check. The military gave them money to move at $2,500, $1,000 of which was just used for the actual moving expense. They lived on post so extra money for housing was non-existent.

Upon arriving we let this young couple to figure it out for themselves before offering them assistance. We wanted to find out their stress levels and if they could solve their financial and other issues. After a few weeks I reached out as the American Legion Commander with the Welcome Home Network. First, we did a budget analysis; housing costs for two bedrooms, small apartment with garage and pet deposit would have been $3,000. They would have to live in his father’s basement until they were able to save to figure this out.

The soldier had no job on the horizon and was planning college in the fall. That left them uncovered for 8 months until his GI Bill kicked in to assist with schooling and housing. After reviewing the budget: Soldier needed to get a jobas soon as possible. They also needed health care because baby was due. They barely had furniture because they had old stuff soldiers tend to transfer to others before they leave the service.

After looking at their budget, they were stressed at the level they described at 90%. In fact, his wife said if we didn’t help they’d be divorced in 6 months. Soldier’s comment was, “this is why we stick guns in our mouths”!
First we worked with area businesses who joined our Welcome Home network. Soldier had job offers and interviews before leaving the Army. He started work a week after exiting the Army at $18.00 hour. We found small Minnesota communities have available housing.

Rent is lower, but buying a small two-bedroom home with garage would cost them $450 a month with taxes, insurance, etc. covered in that expense. We found $5,000 in grants and loans with generous payback options or no payback required. Local insurance vendors worked with us to enroll the couple in MNSure, they provided the services for free. Local financial consultants volunteered to help them budget and invest.

Realtors and Brokers as well as community leaders found housing and local carpenters, HVAC, and other housing specialists review the homes and assist in decisions and repairs if needed. These smaller communities also gave some breaks. Part of the program requires the Veteran provide 8 hours a month doing volunteer work for the community. One has joined the Fire Department as a volunteer and also assists the American Legion with projects. (continue to serve)

Local churches and organizations also provide aid, giving welcome baskets as well as other veterans stopping by to help them. One cleaned the driveway for them this winter because they didn’t have a snow blower and he didn’t want to see a pregnant veterans wife fall on snow and ice. A local furniture vendor donated all new furniture, queen bed, recliner, couch, end table and living room table, kitchen table and 4 chairs, and dresser. Ladies Auxiliary donated blankets for the baby and other Mom/Baby items.

With the Veterans income starting they are now living within their means and have money available, even with a new baby. The insurance agent bid out their auto insurance and got them cheaper rates for the same coverage. The realtor waved part of his sales commission. The previous owner of the home dropped the price because he found out a veteran was buying and he was a veteran.

Today they have a new baby. Husband is working. Mom is raising son at home for a bit. They have income left over and are following their budget. They are preparing to pay the grant money back in increments and as of today they report their stress level is at 5%. Veteran is enrolled in Pain Free Patriots Programs and we are assisting with VA. He had knee issues and back issues as a result of his service. We have several other veterans who have been in this program. All their stories are almost exactly like the story above.

Tim Burley
Pain Free Patriots, Director of Veterans’ Advocacy
American Legion Post Commander, Hutchinson Post 96, MN