A hero in Iraq faces eviction in Tustin

Part 1: A hero in Iraq faces eviction in Tustin
10 Years of War: A decade of war has created unique challenges for our newest veterans. And other Americans can't support themselves, much less the troops.

By TOM BERG / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
It's been a humiliating morning for James Hassell.
Sorry, he was told at the first place he visited. Now he's at Veterans First, in Santa Ana.

If he were a homeless vet, they could find him a bed. If he were a hungry vet, they could find him a meal.

But Hassell, 28, is just an average veteran, with a wife and a 2-year-old daughter, running low on cash.

Facing eviction.

"All I want to do is live the American dream that I fought so hard to protect," says the veteran of two Iraq deployments.

A loan – that's all he needs.

Not long ago, Hassell saved another Marine's life. Newsweek Magazine ran a photo of his daring rescue during the Battle of Najaf. Hassell earned a medal for valor.

After the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Justin LeHew told Hassell:
Don't let this be the greatest thing you've ever done.

Those words echo in Hassell's head as he repeats his story to Deanne Tate, director of Veterans First.

In another month, he tells her, he'll begin college. His GI Bill will kick in. All he needs is two months' rent.

Tate listens politely.

Then she starts to cry.
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