Jack Hammond enlisted in honor of his four uncles who served in World War II and who were charter members of VFW Post 8818 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2002 and 2003, Hammond became a VFW Life member himself.

In 2012, he retired from the Army and set out to secure the benefits he had earned.

"After 31 years of service and multiple combat deployments, I attempted to independently navigate the VA system but quickly encountered challenges," he said. "Remembering my uncles' stories about the VFW's advocacy for veterans, I sought assistance."

Hammond reached out to Bill LeBeau, the VFW Department of Massachusetts state adjutant, for help and was soon connected with VFW Accredited Service Officer Delray Dorsey.

"Contrary to clear documentation from my time in Afghanistan and Iraq, the VA did not acknowledge my medical challenges stemming from burn pits and toxic exposure," Hammond said. "Delray was instrumental in guiding me through hurdles and securing recognition of my service-connected injuries by the VA."

Following the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, Hammond reached out to the VFW again and was introduced to VFW Accredited Service Officer Allison Krezman for additional assistance.

"She and Delray have been invaluable," Hammond said. "The VA's claims process remains difficult, but Allison's unwavering advocacy continues to be a source of support and hope throughout this challenging process."

Learn more about the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

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