Proactive engagement is fundamental for providing solutions to problems we may not even know exist. This was the case for Jim Dawson, a Navy veteran (’73-’74), who learned about Permian Warrior Partnership (PWP) while attending a local Veteran’s Day event.
While walking through the All American Tribute to Texas Veterans event in Midland, Jim stopped at the PWP booth and learned about our mission of empowering veterans in the community. After obtaining Jim’s contact, PWP later conducted an intake interview with Jim in which he stated he did not any assistance at that time.
Though veterans may not always need help, sometimes life has other plans. This is why we always maintain a line of contact with our veterans, to check-in and make sure they are continually getting their needs met. Three months after interviewing Jim, PWP staff called him for a follow up, where we learned that Jim had been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, a laundry list of financial burden often accompanies health complications. Knowing this, PWP staff tried to figure out if there is any way we could support Jim in making his cancer treatments a little less stressful.
After further conversation, it was determined that Jim’s condition qualified for a PACT Act claim. PWP connected Jim with the appropriate resource in the community to file a VA claim for presumptive conditions related to exposures during his time in Vietnam. If not for our follow-up, Jim may have never reached out or known about his earned benefits. We are proud of our proactive work to support veterans like Jim in the community who may not have otherwise reached out for a helping hand.
*Jim is an alias created to protect the identity of the individual.
The Permian Basin is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with PWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Permian veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: http://permianwarriorpartnership.org