Would you join Matthey Luckey so veterans suffering unjustly without VA benefits can get legal help and receive the care they deserve?
Matthew is a 52-year-old, gender nonconforming Army veteran. In 2002, during combat training at Fort Benning, Matthew was victimized by brutal and 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.
Upon learning they might access care through help from Swords to Plowshares, Matthew came to Swords in 2021 to get help for the 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 sanitary, safe, and stable living condition.
Upon learning about this VA decision, Matthew reached out to Swords to Plowshares to become a monthly donor to show their gratitude. Matthew will make a monthly donation of $300 for 18 months to support the work Swords’ Legal team does. Would you match Matthew's gift to make their impact even greater?
“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,” says Matthew.
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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