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Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Strong waited anxiously in the emergency room. Just a few hours before, his wife found him unconscious and convulsing violently on the ground.
Amazingly, she was able to revive him. But now the couple feared the diagnosis.
Doctors discovered no signs of a heart attack and after three days of observation, diagnosed Strong with a syncope—temporary loss of consciousness or posture—and released him. But the story didn’t end there.
Strong returned to active duty at Fort Bragg, N.C., after six weeks. In July 2006, he again experienced what doctors believed to be a syncope and again was released to return to duty. Finally, in October 2007, Strong began the process to retire from military service, his body weary from this chronic condition.
As a VFW Pre-Discharge Officer, Rob Krause works with veterans every day. Reviewing files and medical reports are part of his daily routine, but their impact on a veteran’s life is often anything but routine.
When Strong met with Krause in February 2008, Krause made an astonishing discovery.
“I found that an X-ray report had not been followed up on, from his initial report from 2005,” explained Krause. “The exam showed he had a possible collapsed left lung, which was not reported until after Mr. Strong had been released from the hospital.”
During a follow-up medical visit, a cardiopulmonary specialist informed Strong he had suffered a pulmonary embolism and had gone into cardiac arrest the day his wife revived him.
“I should have been hospitalized in 2005 instead of going to war,” said Strong. “That X-ray report could have made a world of difference. I am blessed it wasn’t my time to go.”
Krause’s detective work gave Strong important information regarding his health. Strong put that knowledge to use in late June as he felt the same symptoms recur.
“I went to the emergency room, and they found my right thigh was one big blood clot,” continued Strong.
Strong is now receiving treatment for his potentially life-threatening condition. He is thankful to Krause and other service officers for doing their job—looking out for veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.
“If it wasn’t for Rob, I would have never been so aggressive in stating the facts of my medical condition and urging the doctors to find the true source of my problem, which in turn, allows for more definitive medical care.
“Rob probably saved my life.” | 
