Veteran spreads message on trip across U.S.

In the post I did yesterday, ok, the rant I did, about some in congress even suggesting that anything could be "too good" for our veterans, I pointed out what they have to go thru between deciding to serve and what comes after. This story not only points out how much they can suffer instead of being taken care of, it also shows just how magnificent some of them can be when they think of others and not just themselves.

Fueled by faith


Veteran spreads message on trip across U.S.
By JEFF M. HARDISON
jhardison@lakecityreporter.com
Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009 6:06 AM EDT
It is by faith alone that a 53-year-old wheelchair-bound veteran is crossing the country to raise awareness about homeless veterans.

David Whittaker rode his electric-powered wheelchair into Lake City on Wednesday as part of a trip from Key West to Blaine, Wash.

Whittaker said he chose the southernmost point in the continental United States to start and the most northwestern point to end his journey — a journey 36 years in the making.

Severely injured during training in 1973 with the U.S. Marine Corps, Whittaker found success in the civilian world. Health problems wiped him out financially, however, he said.

Diabetes combined with heart problems make it very expensive for him to stay alive. First his health insurance canceled his policy, he said.

“Then the VA wouldn’t help me because it said I had too much money in the bank,” Whittaker said.

He said he spent $800,000 and lost his home to cover medical costs. He suffered a stroke. He became homeless about two years ago, he said.

Finally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs agreed to cover 100 percent of his medical expenses, he said.
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Fueled by faith