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It was a terrifying, life-changing moment for Navy Storekeeper Third Class John Barrett. One day he was looking forward to a long, successful Navy career; the next he was waking up in a military hospital with no memories of how he got there.
“I was a diabetic and didn’t know it. I had lapsed into a diabetic coma,” said Barrett, who is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. “My blood sugar was 870. It was a miracle I was alive.”
But the good news was bittersweet. Barrett’s military career was abruptly—and completely—over. He also learned he had well-developed cataracts. At only 26, Barrett retired from the military as a disabled veteran.
“My father Albert Bucchi is a longtime VFW member who has held many leadership positions within the organization,” said Barrett. “He knows me better than I know myself. He suggested a career in veteran’s service would be a good fit for me. My dad has spent most of his adult life helping fellow veterans.”
Barrett was hired as a service officer for the state of New Hampshire. Today, he helps veterans of all ages and their dependents file for VA benefits owed to them.
“More than 90% of the people I see were referred by another client,” Barrett described. “That makes me feel good to know I come recommended.”
Barrett is especially proud to be helping many of America’s newest veterans—those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Recently, Barrett participated in a Veterans Resource Fair at Southern New Hampshire University, his alma mater, to reach out to the newest generation of America’s heroes.
“They want someone to explain the process in plain English,” Barrett said. “I help them learn what they have earned and how to get it.”
Barrett is gratified by every case, but says his very first case will always hold special significance.
“A Korean War veteran walked into my office and asked if I could possibly spare a moment of my time. I immediately told him I was here to help him—that this is what I do for a living. All of the sudden, he began to cry. In all the years, no one had ever taken a moment just to hear what he was experiencing. I knew then I had made the right decision in becoming a VFW service officer.” | 
