Iraq War veteran faces hardship while maneuvering VA system

Arthur Wilmot (left) is an Iraq War veteran who was injured while in the U.S. Navy. He is unable to find work due to his injuries and is waiting to see if he qualifies for disability through the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Christy (middle), and their two sons are being assisted by the nonprofit organization Operation Homefront. The organization's funds have been depleted due to an increase in veterans requesting assistance. Operation Homefront is asking for the public's assistance in helping the Wilmot family and others like him. [Click to enlarge]

Wilmot is navigating the red tape of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to get disability for injuries he sustained while in the Navy.

As he waits to see if his case will be approved, Wilmot has been working with a nonprofit organization called Operation Homefront. They are helping to see him through this difficult part of his life, but they too are affected by the economic downturn.

Wilmot is originally from Fremont, Calif. and moved to Crockett County in 1993 with his mother and stepfather.

He had received his associate's degree in computer science and repair with a 3.75 GPA.

On Oct. 23, 2000 he made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy.

His first injury occurred while in boot camp, where he took a bad fall and broke his wrist. He had to have several different surgeries to correct a screw that was not placed correctly in his wrist.

"The surgeons never got it right," said Wilmot. "It kept trying to work its way out through the skin."

In 2001, Wilmot married his wife, Christy. Sadly, he had to return to the naval base on his wedding day.

Wilmot was stationed on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) out of Norfolk, Va. This made him the third generation to be stationed on a USS Enterprise. Wilmot's grandfather was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in World War II and his stepfather was stationed on the same ship he was during the Vietnam War. The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was decommissioned in 1947 and the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was commissioned in 1961 and is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Wilmot's job as an Aviation and Electronics Mate required him to work on fighter jets' steering mechanisms. He said he now has tinnitus where he constantly has ringing in his ears due to the loud noise he was subjected to. Wilmot described having to wear two sets of ear protection to try to protect his hearing.

Arthur Wilmot is a third-generation U.S. Navy sailor that was stationed aboard a USS Enterprise naval ship. Wilmot's grandfather was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in World War II. It was decommissioned in 1947. Wilmot and his stepfather were stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). His stepfather served on the carrier during the Vietnam War and Wilmot served during the Iraq War. The ship was commissioned in 1961 and is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. [Click to enlarge]

While onboard the Enterprise, Wilmot fell down a stairwell, injuring his shoulder and had a severe allergic reaction to a smallpox vaccination, which killed a fellow soldier aboard the ship.

"If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all," said Wilmot.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2004 as a Third Class Petty Officer and returned home to his wife and two children.

Since then, he has worked at several different jobs in Dyersburg, but most required him to perform physical work he was incapable of. One job was running a split saw at Jimmy Dean Foods. Wilmot said with the limited mobility of his wrist he could not get the angle right and was therefore let go.

His wife is unable to work due to significant health issues. However, she is planning to enroll at Dyersburg State Community College this fall to further her education.

Wilmot said he has applications all over town, but it is difficult to find work.

This year he decided to seek disability from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.

He began the process in March and saw an orthopedic surgeon who told him his right hand would be pretty much useless for the rest of his life.

The VA has been working with him to get his case approved as timely as possible.

"They are doing really good to get me cleared," said Wilmot.

Operation Homefront is assisting the Wilmots while his claim is pending in the VA system.

Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. However, like many non-profit organizations they are experiencing the difficulty of raising money in a difficult economy.

Operation Homefront Chapter President Megan George stated the Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter has seen a 2,000 percent increase in the number of wounded veterans requesting assistance from the chapter this year, thus the chapter's funds are depleted.

"We are reaching out to the Dyersburg community to help us help the Wilmot family," said George.

She is well aware of the lengthy procedure of filing a claim with the Veterans Administration and understands Wilmot's situation.

"Navigating the VA system can be a challenging and lengthy process," said George. "The system is simply overwhelmed."

George Edwards is the property manager of the apartment complex the Wilmots live in. He said the complex has been doing the best they can in allowing the family to stay in the apartment, but they are now approaching their third month without the family being able to meet rent.

"I'm a veteran too and I know the hardships they go through," said Edwards. "It's tough on people."

Edwards said Wilmot is working at the complex to help take care of the late fees the family in incurring.

"He's a nice guy, but I know he has had it rough," said Edwards.

Wilmot said he will wait and see what happens with his case, but continues to worry about his family.

"The biggest burden on me is not being able to work," said Wilmot.

"I've worked since I was 12 years old. It's been so hard trying to take care of my family and see them like this."

Operation Homefront provides aid to families struggling not only with emergencies, but also with the problems of everyday life. Existing programs include:

Emergency Aid - Provides food, baby-care items, vehicle donation and repair.

Computer Program - Allows children and spouses to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Financial Assistance Program - Addresses crises such as illness, homelessness and death.

Furniture Program - Donates household and baby furniture; working-order appliances.

Moving - Provides physical labor for families when a service member is deployed.

Social Outreach - Offers Adopt-a-family opportunities, Thanksgiving/holiday baskets, back-to-school supplies.

Community - Rebuilds the challenged social network of the military community by bringing it to our online magazine where it is convenient to everyone, no matter the time or location.

Some of Operation Homefront's most outstanding accomplishments are:

* Received the prestigious Charity Navigator's 4-Star rating for conscientious stewardship.

* Donated more than $5 million to military families in crisis.

* Provided goods and services valued at more than $6.5 million to assist military families.

* Delivered more than 20,000 care packages to soldiers abroad.

* Delivered more than 2,500 packages to military families at home.

* Helped more than 3,000 families receive vehicle donations or repairs.

* Delivered more than 20,000 backpacks to military children headed back to school.

* Operates only on 8 percent overhead; 92 cents of every dollar raised directly supports those in need.

Operation Homefront is asking for the public's assistance in helping the Wilmot family. Donations can be made online at www.operationhomefront.net/tennessee or mailed to Operation Homefront, c/o The Wilmot Family in Dyersburg, 306 Gay St., Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37201.

To learn more about their organization and services visit their Web site at www.operationhomefront.net/tennessee or call their toll-free number at 866-205-5766.