Before being called to duty in Iraq, Spec. Robert Wake was a contractor with a successful, well-paying business. During combat while he was deployed, an explosion sent 97 pieces of shrapnel in his body. A Purple Heart and surgery followed as well as a return to his civilian life. Unfortunately, because of his wounds and ongoing medical needs, Spec. Wake was unable to continue in his former business, and his income was sharply reduced.
One of his great joys was traveling to visit his son several hundred miles away at college. When the transmission in his truck – his only vehicle – went out, he finally said enough was enough and asked Unmet Needs for assistance.
The program was able to provide the funds to not only fix the transmission but to put new tires and brakes on it, too. “I didn’t realize there was help for wounded soldiers,” Spec. Wake said, "but the Unmet Needs Program really came to my rescue. It really meant a lot to me and my family.”
Spec. Wake’s story in his own words – see video.