2006-11-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

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It was saturdayy morning December 15, 2002 when I received a phone call from my commanding officer. It was the call that most young guys dream off, but most men regret. Within 24 hours I had left everything that I loved behind to fight for a war that I believed in.

The month of preparation training must have been blurred by the adrenaline and excitement because after leaving the U.S. the next thing I remember is the sound of mortar shells raining in on top of us.

Four years later I still suffer from combat related disabilities that prevented me from providing an income for my family.

Thanks to the Chapter 31 Vocational and Rehabilitation educational assistance (VR&E) http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ I was able to go back to college to receive my Bachelors degree in Business Marketing.

Upon completion of my degree I was accepted into the Veterans Business Training Center (VBTC), an organization founded by the Military Order of the Purple Heart that allows disabled veterans just like myself to participate in a 15 week 600 hour program. This program allows disabled veterans to earn a living while working from home. http://www.purpleheartfoundation.org/job_training.asp

In addition, Grantham University http://www.grantham.edu/admissions.htm has stepped up to answer the call for educating veterans as well. Veterans who have a disability rating of 20% or more can earn a scholarship that will give them a full ride for their 4 year bachelors degree, or their MBA (masters) degree.

Then and Now (A Combat Veterans Story)