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A bustling house in Vandalia, Ill., with three rambunctious kids. Plumbing problems that cause sewage backups.
In short, trouble waiting to happen.
Military wife Patricia Ingram, 32, needed to find a way to pay for plumbing repairs immediately.
“The roots of a huge tree in our yard were constantly clogging and cracking the plumbing under our house,” she said. “It caused sewage to back up into our house—it was foul, and it threatened our children’s health.”
Patricia’s husband, Justin, was deployed to Iraq, and the family’s income was cut in half. Sgt. Ingram is a heavy machine operator who rebuilds roads and constructs helicopter pads.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom. We feel it’s important for one of us to always be available for the kids, whether it’s going to soccer games, volunteering at school or reading a book to our little one before he goes to bed,” explained Patricia.
The Ingrams have two daughters and a young son: Taylor, 12; Destiny, 8; and Ryder, who will soon turn 19 months. Their second child has a speech disability and requires extra care and attention.
The Family Readiness Leader assigned to help the Ingrams through deployment connected Patricia with the VFW Unmet Needs program.
“I thought it was too good to be true. I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to repay this!” Patricia shared. “I felt stretched to the limit already caring for my family and worrying about my husband. I was so grateful for the VFW and everyone who supports it. I hope we have the chance to pay it forward someday.” | 
