Veteran Army Staff Sgt. Stephen Hughs did everything right. He planned for the future, landed a good civilian job as a teacher after he was medically retired from service, and he saved for retirement. In fact, he had approximately $150,000 in savings.
He gave back to his community in Thornton, Colorado, volunteering for a variety of organizations, including for over 10 years with Operation Homefront, delivering toys through the Holiday Toy Drives program. However, Stephen never expected that he would need assistance too.
But over the past three years, one medical calamity after another—including two car crashes that were the fault of other drivers, along with a big billing mistake on the part of the hospital, which billed his insurance instead of the VA—has drained his once robust bank account dry.
After being in the hospital and then a nursing home for five months because of a MRSA infection, Stephen had thousands of dollars in medical bills to pay and his credit cards were maxed out. His wife, Mary, was working nights and two of their three kids who still lived in the house, were helping as well, but it was not enough. He applied to Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance (CFA) program and thanks to generous donors, like Chobani, Stephen was able to pay more than $2,400 for utilities, mortgage, and auto insurance.
“When I actually found myself in need and there was someone there for me, that feels good,” Stephen said. “And that was Operation Homefront. When I applied for the program for help, I was so thankful it was there because what would I have done without it?”
Stephen served nearly 30 years combined in the Army and Army National Guard. He would still be serving if not for the medical retirement. During his time in the military, he has deployed several times. One of the most memorable was being stationed in South Korea for more than a year, spending three months at the DMZ.
“It did help me catch up,” Stephen said. “It helped me with a few of my bills to the point where it gave me some kind of financial stability and it gets me closer to that point where I can get my head above water a little bit.”
Urgent Needs
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California
Finance Office Delay Prevents Receipt of Benefits
Backlogs in processing paperwork at the Defense finance office has delayed the office from creating the retirement account for this Navy sailor. It has been several months, and the delay is now creating a situation where a smooth transition has become more challenging due to the financial strain from being unable to receive her benefits, benefits she earned in a career of service to our country. We are asking for a gift to help with housing and utility expenses to give her the stability she needs at this critical time.$1,902 still needed$3,172 -
Arizona
Job Loss Leads to Financial Insecurity for Army Family
Between this veteran losing work due to covid, and his spouse getting laid off from her teaching job, this Army family has had a difficult time making their mortgage and auto payments on time. Although the veteran has found new work, they are still having a difficult time getting up to date on payments. With a baby on the way, it is important we support this family as they work toward stability. Please help us provide relief with recent mortgage and auto payments.$2,374 still needed$6,272 -
Texas
Army Veteran Mother of Two in Need
This new mother of two recently gave birth to her second child and is returning to work after her maternity leave. Her time of unpaid leave from employment has left the small family struggling and in need of food assistance. Consider providing for this family today.$375 still needed$450
