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In October of 2006, Staff Sgt. John Kaiser, 30, was on patrol in Iraq. He and the Stryker Brigade Combat Team of Comanche Company had arrived at a checkpoint where they would provide safekeeping for Iraqi officials, when shooting broke out.
A mortar exploded near Kaiser, breaking his jaw and damaging his eye. A bullet also pierced his shoulder.
“All things considered, I’d say I’m pretty lucky to be here,” he said.
Upon returning home to Camas, Wash., in late June, Kaiser was medically retired from the Army. Given the extent of his injuries, he had expected to receive a 100 percent disability rating. His eye and part of his jaw were unsalvageable. Instead, he was rated at 70 percent, a ruling that would have an immense impact upon him and his family.
“We weren’t prepared for that ruling. There’s a substantial difference between 70 and 100 percent,” he explained.
Through the Portland VA, Kaiser learned of VFW Unmet Needs. They helped him apply for assistance to pay their mortgage while they waited on the VA’s new ruling.
“The process was surprisingly fast—about a week—and pretty simple. Without VFW’s help, we would have lost our home.
“It relieved a lot of stress that built up from the VA process.”
Kaiser is waiting for a new ruling from the VA. In the meantime, he stays at home with his three kids, while his wife works full-time.
“For now, we’re just trying to stay afloat,” Kaiser said. | 
