Our deepest thanks to individual donors and foundations whose generosity has allowed us to provide much-needed services to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are some highlights of the amazing commitment and dedication of those who champion veteran causes.

‍Meet Matthew Luckey

Matthew is a 52-year-old, gender nonconforming U.S. Army veteran. In 2002, during combat training, Matthew was victimized by continuous hazing and military sexual assault directed by the training staff. Consequently, Army doctors diagnosed Matthew with psychiatric disabilities. Unfortunately, Matthew was discharged without the treatment or provisions they needed for service-connected disabilities, leading to many years of homelessness and exacerbated psychiatric crises.    
 
Matthew came to Swords in 2021 for legal assistance with a VA compensation claim based on their service-connected disabilities. Within a year, Swords succeeded in getting Matthew designated a 100% disability rating with full compensation benefits, including lifelong VA medical care. Now, Matthew can build a better future for themself that includes improved health care and a more stable living condition. Matthew says, “For the first time since 2002, I get to live like a normal human being. Swords to Plowshares made a huge difference in my life. While my disability still has limitations, I feel so much more at peace.” To show their gratitude, Matthew reached out to Swords to Plowshares to become a monthly donor. In 2022, Matthew pledged a monthly donation of $300 for 18 months to support the work that Swords’ Legal Services team does.  

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