Disabled Marine Veteran Grateful for Safe Water
Miguel Aviles joined the Marines in 2002 like so many others who felt the need to serve our country post-9/11.
He left a good job as an engineer to enlist. He originally considered going to Ground Zero to volunteer, but his father had served in the Army, and he wanted to take the fight to our country’s enemies.
In the first two months of service, he suffered serious injuries to his throat. Miguel served six years and received an honorable discharge in 2008, having made the rank of corporal.
It was years before he learned the seriousness of the injuries and received the correct diagnosis of thyroid disease. After leaving the military, Miguel’s health continued to decline. He moved to Florida from his home state of Ohio because warmer weather was better for his chronic pain. By the time he was diagnosed correctly with thyroid disease, Miguel learned his kidneys were dire condition because of his untreated thyroid disease. He was diagnosed with renal failure in 2020 and began treatment for his kidneys and thyroid condition.
“I’m eternally grateful for their donations and it has been able to give me peace of mind.” – Miguel Aviles, Marine veteran
In the fall of 2023, Miguel learned his well and water pump were corroding and causing water from the kitchen faucet to be brown. With outstanding medical bills in the thousands, going through kidney dialysis, and trying to reverse his renal failure, Miguel had no idea how he was going to pay repairs to restore safe water to his home.
Miguel reached out to Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program, remembering the relief he received in 2021 when he first learned about the national nonprofit. At that time, he needed repairs on his septic tank and HVAC system.
Operation Homefront’s generous donors enabled Miguel to fund the $1,800 needed to repair his water well and replace the water tank.
“I’m eternally grateful for their donations,” he said. “And it has given me peace of mind not having to deal with issues for the house and being able to invest more time in my medical needs and mental health.”
