Who You Can Help - The Hughes Family

"My name is Derek Hughes and I am a 100% permanently disabled veteran of the war in Iraq. After joining the Army in 1999 I served in the invasion of Iraq 2003. As a light machine gunner and part of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Force Protection (FP) on the MSR's (Main Supply Route) and ASR's (Alternate Supply Route) I escorted 5,000 gallon fuel tankers and some civilian supply convoys. Like my friends who served in Iraq all of us seem to have come back with a list of similar mental and physical problems.

I am thankful to have a great wife and two wonderful daughters that make even the worst of days better. My spouse is studying to become a probation officer and is receiving assistance through the GI Bill. Since I am home a lot more I don't do some of the things I used to enjoy. I would like to get back into racing my Camaro at the drag strips and someday maybe start fixing some of the things that need to be done. I also enjoy shooting guns at the range and hunting. I haven't done any of these things for a along time, but hope to be able to do them again someday.

Financially, are family had been doing well for us, but then we were hit with a few problems. A direct family member of ours was hospitalized and we needed to travel a good distance to help. And the IRS made a mistake on our tax return so our refund has been delayed. These are short term problems for us, and with the help of Rebuild Hope they will not overwhelm my family."