After nine years of watching my husband’s health decline, his spirit dim, and his pleas for help go unanswered, we finally have good news to share. I’ve seen doors slammed in his face, doctors dismiss his pain, and a system meant to help only put up barriers. A few months ago, I almost lost him. But this time, we weren’t alone. Nearly 1,000 people from around the world stood up. Congressional officials sent inquiries. Letters were written. And finally—someone listened.
Yesterday, Jolly was granted 100% permanent and total disability with the VA. Thank you to everyone who fought alongside us.
I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition, advocated on social media, sent letters of encouragement, and been a part of Jolly’s healing journey. Also to David Yost for showing us that superheroes do exist. To the congressional office of Morgan Griffith who submitted multiple congressional inquiries on Jolly’s case and Senator Tim Kaine’s office who did the same.
I will not be declaring victory on this petition. Not yet. The fight is far from over. There are still many out there suffering whose voices have yet to be heard. There’s still been no accountability for what happened on the USS Boxer. There’s still Veterans sleeping on our streets. And we’ll still lose 22 today to suicide. This is a huge step forward but there is still work ahead.
**To anyone who was also aboard the USS Boxer and experienced toxic exposure I promise to never stop fighting for you. I have started research into the longtime effects of diesel fuel consumption on the human body. There is currently no available research on this which creates unnecessary hurdles to care for those affected. The research is completely confidential and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Once I have enough data I will submit the results for peer review, publish them and begin to provide the data to veteran advocacy groups and the VA. Please consider completing the survey and helping us to create lasting change in the lives of veterans like you with toxic exposure.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3tbQCpkRxjREjJwl3D-No_hw7dGZ7UlmiPrmhxfJk-B-Zlg/viewform?usp=header
With sincerest gratitude, love, light and healing,
Ash 🩷