Hi all,
I write this open letter to all in hopes to get your help. I am embarassed to ask…but I simply cannot afford the finances that will be required over the next 10 days to get him here.
The VA has refused to help this 2 tour Vietnam Vet, and as such we are forced to go to get him from Hawaii and bring him back to Florida without VA assistance. As you can imagine the costs are way out of our league…so we are turning everywhere to ask for help.
Here is the story…
My wife’s father suffered a MASSIVE STROKE on Christmas Eve and was not found until Christmas day, making reversal drugs not an option. As such he has lost all mobility on his righ side and has lost the ability to speak.
My wife and I have fought and they have agreed to release him from Maui Memorial Hospital into our care. So we must get him into a Nursing Home within 24 hours of the handoff. But due to the injury, he cannot fly by regular means.
In most cases this would not be an issue…but add to the fact that this is Hawaii and it is Valentine weekend and you can see how the costs are simply nuts!
He requires as a minimum First Class along with one of us for all three flights. The reason is that he will need to recline as much as possible and be able to stretch his legs. Plus one of us MUST be by his side for the duration of the flights if the airlines are to accept him.
We have had to purchase 3 round trip airfares to Hawaii ON SHORT NOTICE for flight during VALENTINE’s WEEK.
HOTEL ROOMS - Did I mention that it is VALENTINE week? And add that to the fact that it is in HAWAII!!! I cannot even begin to explain this cost or how we will find a place to stay…much less afford.
TRANSPORTATION - We will need to, not only spend time with him in the hospital, but we also must travel 1hr and 45mins each way each day to where he lived in order to take care of his affairs and move him out of his home for life…taxis would not be a consideration. Again, did we mention that it is VALENTINE week? And add that to the fact that it is in HAWAII!!!
The VA has said…sorry! Since he was not combat wounded, he is not eligible for longterm care…so we are forced to pay for this.
Please, if you are a Veteran…or you have a family member who is…or if you just want to help…please do! I am embarassed to ask…but I simply cannot afford the finances that will be required over the next 10 days to get him here.
If you can help, please email me personally for my home address. My wife and I will be leaving on Thursday Feb 8.
If you cannot help, would you please still pray for us?
Harvey Gordon
sept1101@bellsouth.net