I served in the United States Army Reserve from 1995 thru 2003, during this enlistment I was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina. It wasn't until my enlistment ended and I received my Honorable Discharge in 2003 that I noticed my Military Records were not accurate. This error in my records prevented me from having the ability to use my Veterans Points on Civil Service Tests, apply for Veterans Mortgages, as well as my VA Benefits that I could have used when I was diagnose with cancer just 3 years ago.
In early 2004 I sent an inquiry to the Army Archives in St. Louis, they were unable to locate all of my records, most importantly the ones that proved my deployment. I was put in contact with a Sgt. in Fort Totten, he told me he was able to see why they were incorrect and there was 11 others from my company in the same predicament. Sadly, he also informed me the only way he can fix it was if I reenlist. That's when my VFW told me to contact my Congressman who at the time was Mr. Bishop. Mr. Bishops office continually gave me the run around and would only provide me an update when I saw them at the Centereach VFW's Legislative breakfast each election year. Mr. Bishops Military Liaison would always tell me they have made some advances for me but they can't do anything right now until after the election, they were trying to hold me hostage to vote for him. After he won that election and still failed to help me, I decided it was time for change and privately campaigned within my community for Mr. Lee Zeldin, to my delight he won.
After his victory I contacted his office and explained my situation, I was placed in the care of his Military Liaison named Cleveland. It wasn't an easy road by any means due to how many records were lost by the Army, but Lee's office never gave up on me and continued to fight. The used every resource available to them and I am sitting here writing this with a letter at my side from Congressman Zeldin stating that they've been able to locate my rewards records and my Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Army Service Medal are in route to his Patchogue office as we speak.
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After this journey that has lasted 14 years, Congressman Zeldin has given me hope and faith in our government officials. I hope to see Mr. Zeldin soon so I can shake his hand and thank him personally for what he has done thus far. For years I felt like my efforts and service was erased from history but today I am starting to feel whole again.
