GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - What was left of Paradise in the wake of the Camp Fire, military veterans will agree, looked like a war zone. Many veterans were among those who lost it all in the blaze and have turned to Veterans Resource Center for help, FEMA and other relief agencies, only to fall through the cracks. Compounding the problem is the issue of PTSD suffered by Veteran Camp Fire survivors, making it even more difficult to cope in the aftermath of the blaze. PTSD symptoms can interfere with basic day-to-day functioning, and last for months or years, adding a whole other level of difficulty to the recovery process of the afflicted individual.

Local woman, Annette Boone, who was named Gridley VFW Post 5731 Community Service Volunteer of the Year for her work and service to Camp Fire survivors, has found herself fighting for a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and Camp Fire survivor, John Howell III.

Howell proudly holds the honors of two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star, the United States Armed Forces’ 3^rd highest decoration for valor in combat for his service in the Army. He and his wife Patricia both suffer from PTSD and have been struggling since the fire. Due to the fact that the couple was technically homeless before the disaster, they were not eligible for aid from FEMA and have been unable to obtain much help from Veterans Affairs in Chico.

Boone, working on their behalf, has made little headway with the complicated paperwork necessary for applying for aid and working with VA reps.

Meanwhile the Howells face eviction from their current housing, can’t afford to eat properly and have suffered a decline in health. Frustration setting in and desperate to find help, Boone reached out to Assemblyman Gallagher pleading their cause, “Our men and women sacrifice their lives to protect us and our country, yet we CANNOT seem to be able to take care of them. I need your help Mr. Gallagher. How can we do this to him? Where is our government?!”

The response was immediate. Assemblyman Gallagher answered her call for aid and by the following day, May 17, Boone was notified that a Long Term Recovery Group would be contacting her regarding the Howells. Just days later, a care provider was assigned their case, to ensure their health, welfare and to help them navigate the waters to recovery.

With renewed hope that his country had not forgotten him, John Howell III attended Gridley’s Memorial Day Services. The veteran found his emotions running high as he stood alongside fellow veterans and was honored for his service to our nation. Assemblyman Gallagher, who was in attendance, met and shook his hand, immediately asking him how he was fairing and what else he could do to help.

VFW Post 5731 Commander Bart, who has been an ally to Boone on her mission to help veterans and Camp Fire Survivors said, “With the Howells’ situation now brought to the attention of Assemblyman Gallagher; I’m confident they will not be homeless again. Like many of us, Mr. Gallagher is a patriot with a heart.”