It’s often hard to quantify the visible and invisible struggles veterans face after their time in service. For Army veteran Gilbert —better known as Gibby—life after the military presented a series of challenges. Transitioning from a role as a tank commander in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany to civilian life wasn’t easy. Years of unemployment, mounting health complications, and a complex and often inaccessible benefits system left Gibby feeling defeated. However, his story is one of resilience and the power of compassionate, community-focused support. Through HVAF, Gibby found the help he needed to reclaim his life, and his remarkable success story serves as a testament to the impact our community has on the veterans we serve.

Gibby, who served in the Army back in the 1970s, hails from a proud military family, with his dedication to his country extending beyond active duty into several years in the National Guard. But despite his military achievements, his life after service was riddled with challenges.

Shortly after leaving the military, Gibby began experiencing mysterious physical symptoms, including numbness in his fingers, loss of vision, and extreme fatigue. For years, doctors failed to provide a diagnosis. It wasn’t until Gibby lost his eyesight while living in California that he met an eye doctor who suspected multiple sclerosis (MS). Further tests confirmed the diagnosis.

“We didn’t know what it was at first, but it was affecting everything in my life,” Gibby said.

MS, a chronic illness that impacts the central nervous system, created significant hurdles for Gibby. Deterioration in his physical strength, especially in his legs, left him unable to walk unassisted. Over time, the disease began to affect not only his mobility but also his dental health, severely degrading his teeth. Adding to the physical challenges, navigating the healthcare and disability benefits system became an overwhelming and seemingly unwinnable task. Without guidance on how to access his healthcare benefits and without access to other resources, Gibby fell into a cycle of frustration and financial insecurity.

Gibby’s path took a positive turn when he was introduced to HVAF through a social worker who provided him with a list of organizations to contact for assistance. HVAF was the first number on the list that Gibby called—and from that moment on, his life began to stabilize.

Through HVAF’s housing assistance program, Gibby connected with a case manager named Claire, who immediately went to work ensuring he had a safe and affordable place to live. At the time, Gibby was living in an apartment where rent was skyrocketing beyond what he could afford. Thanks to Claire’s help, Gibby transitioned to a new apartment in a peaceful environment, where he found stability and accessibility. “Living here is fantastic,” Gibby shared. “Everything is close by—my bank, my community—and with my condition,” Gibby said, gesturing to his walker he needs to get around, “it’s exactly what I needed.”

But HVAF’s support didn’t stop at housing assistance. Recognizing Gibby’s health struggles, HVAF assigned Lucy, a dedicated healthcare navigator, to help him manage his growing list of medical needs.

Gibby showing off pictures from his day as an F1 Engineer!

One of the most impactful ways Lucy stepped in to assist Gibby was by addressing his severe dental issues, which had been exacerbated by his MS. The damage to his teeth went far beyond cosmetic concerns, affecting his ability to eat comfortably, speak, and live without pain.

Early attempts to find dental care proved daunting when Gibby discovered that dentures would cost at least $16,000—an insurmountable amount on his limited budget. That’s when Lucy stepped in. Determined to find a solution, Lucy invested significant time researching organizations that could offer free or reduced-cost dental care.

Her efforts paid off when she found a local free clinic, a dental organization that agreed to provide Gibby with a full set of dentures—completely free of charge. Over the course of several months, Lucy not only coordinated Gibby’s appointments but also personally drove him to each one, staying by his side through every step of the process.

When reflecting on Lucy’s dedication, Gibby expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “Lucy was incredible. She didn’t just leave me to figure things out alone. She found the help that I needed and made sure I got through it; she was there every step of the way.”

The result? Gibby now has a full set of dentures, restoring both his smile and his confidence. “I don’t know what I would have done without HVAF and Lucy,” Gibby said, smiling with his new set of teeth!

For Gibby, the support he received from HVAF went well beyond practical assistance—it provided him with hope and a renewed sense of belonging. From housing case managers like Claire to healthcare champions like Lucy, HVAF’s staff works tirelessly to ensure veterans like Gibby have the tools and resources they need to lead a stable and fulfilling life.

Today, Gibby continues to work with HVAF case managers, who regularly check in to ensure his needs are met. Through this network of support, Gibby has found a level of care and compassion that was previously missing from his life.

“You should get involved with HVAF because they are fantastic. They’ve saved my life. Without them, I would’ve been homeless. Everyone at HVAF has been incredibly supportive and kind.”

Gibby’s story is just one of the many lives transformed by HVAF’s programs, our mission to support veterans through housing assistance, healthcare guidance, and community-building efforts is made possible by the generosity of donors like you!

If you’re inspired by stories like Gibby’s, consider making a tax-deductible donation today! Together, we can ensure that more veterans receive the care, support, and stability they deserve.

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