On November 5, 2008 the American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania headquarters received a request from Heroes To Hometown for Dustin Tressler of Somerset County. In his statement he said he is a Purple Heart recipient from the Iraq war, 2005-2006, he was injured in Iraq and he has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Upon returning home he got married, but then with his disability he lost his job. He was unable to buy medications, food, fuel, insurance or registration for his vehicle in order to look for work.

This 23 year old veteran was faced with mounting bills. He got lost in the shuffle. At the VA, he was denied benefits and has not received any help from them at all. He was in desperate need. He spoke of not wanting to live anymore, we were his last resort!

After contacting and speaking with Dustin, we found him to be in great need.

A call was made to Alex Dombrowsky, the 24th District Commander. Upon hearing Dustin’s plight, he jumped into action. By the end of the day, Alex had spoken to Dustin, had all his information, and spoke with Penelec Electric Company, and had made arrangements to keep his electric on until funding could be found. Alex spoke of several legions that he would call and see if they could help out.

While waiting for Alex to work on his end, we were busy on our end getting the VA to reopen Dustin’s case and get him emergency assistance for veterans ASAP, and getting his VA benefits that are due to him. While this takes time, Dustin was waiting for his electric to be terminated.

Alex came to Dustin’s rescue. He went to Earl H. Opel Post 459, in Salisbury PA who was meeting that night. Post 459, along with personal help from Lou Foreback, of Post 802, in Jerome, PA agreed to bring Dustin’s electric bill up to date. This was a tremendous relief to Dustin and his wife, Erica. Alex also talked with Penelec about a program they have to reduce Dustin’s electric bill by charging him less for his kilowatt hours, thus in the future further lowering Dustin’s electric bills.

Alex didn’t just stop there. He invited Dustin and Erica to his post for their Veteran Day Dinner, and knowing that Dustin did not have a vehicle or fuel to drive, Alex and his wife are picking up the Tressler’s and taking them for a much needed night out.

But wait, he’s still not finished. Alex is overseeing Post 459 by inviting Dustin to join their (our) legion family and help pay his dues as well.

Alex has found support from other officers within the 24th district. They have all come together to look for more ways in which they can help the Tressler family.

Our own Department Service Officer, Bruce Foster, is making the trip to Somerset to personally meet with Dustin and to oversee that Dustin is now getting his much deserved VA benefits. He is also working on finding employment opportunities for Dustin.

Dustin is a very brave young man who is not looking for a hand out, just a helping hand. A big THANK YOU (and gold star) to Alex and the 24th district for their devotion to helping our Veterans.

It’s ironic that this comes the week before Veterans Day, but what better way to start off this year’s holiday season then by helping our fellow man.

Alex deserves our utmost appreciation for a superb job!