UPDATE -- YOU DID IT!!!! (LONG-TIME DUER, A VETERAN, NEEDS YOUR HELP!)
Last edited Wed Sep 19, 2012, 03:07 PM - Edit history (8)
[font color="brown"](I was previously given permission by Skinner to post periodically about http://www.wishadoo.org, especially when it involves DUers, with this required disclaimer: "The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for one discussion thread on this topic. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of this fundraising effort. Permission was granted by Skinner on 8/6/2010, and the moderators have been notified."
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[center][font size="4"][font color="blue"]YOU GUYS ARE GOOD!!!!!!! THE GOAL HAS BEEN REACHED. PLEASE SEE POST #137, WHERE KBLAGBURN EXPRESSES HIS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE!!!
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DUer, KBlagburn, has been here from THE BEGINNING, people. He has kindly shared many pictures and personal information with me about his life, so I would know with whom I was interacting as we worked toward getting the Wishlist post together to share with you all.
His situation is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Many veterans are facing dire financial situations, especially those who suffer with medical conditions that have rendered them disabled. People assume benefits cover everything, but they don't. While KBlagburn (Vet in Alabama @Wishadoo) is grateful for the benefits he does receive, his family is still in a mess right now.
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[font size="3"]PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN[/font] [/center]
[font color="blue"]PER KBLAGBURN:
I am a disabled vet and I haven't worked since I had a heart attack in Dec 2011. I do get 70% disability from the VA and that mostly helps cover the bills. I am very grateful to receive that benefit.
But there is nothing left.
Last month I did get behind a little on my rent for the first time and am now trying to play catch up. I currently have a pending claim with the VA, which we filed in Feb. and have recently learned that it is sitting on someone's desk just waiting for a signature. It has been there since aug 21. We applied to the VA for a hardship but that did not seem to make a difference.
One of the hardest parts of this situation is that I am constantly having to cancel my doctors appts at the VA for lack of gas to get there. I am currently rated for PTSD and struggle with depression. I also suffer from severe migraines, fibroymalgia, bad knees, among others. I am supposed to see my VA therapist and psychologist regularly but cannot see them for lack of funds to get there.
I have 4 kids, 2 boys, 2 girls. My 17-year-old son got a job at McDonalds to try to help, but they are only giving him about 8 hours a week. We do get food stamps but with 6 people they dont stretch very far and they last about 2 1/2 weeks.
We are just trying to hang on until my claim is finalized. My vet rep feels that I stand a good chance of getting 100%. I normally don't reach out to strangers but have run out of places to turn. If you like, I can provide any verification you need on any info. I have my VA ID card, DD214, rent receipts, copies of utility bills, anything you need. I have nothing to hide from anyone.
It's very hard to do, but I'm asking for any help you can provide. Ideally, if we could raise $1000 through the kindness of strangers and fellow DUers, that would help the situation I'm in since I've gotten so behind with everything. But I am extremely grateful for any help that is offered.
Thank you for reading this.[/font]
[font size="3"]EDIT: His PayPal email is: [font color="blue"]kblagburn64@bellsouth.net [/font]
There is a link at the bottom of the Wishlist post that has worked for some people. Note that the receipt may say "Magnolia Memories" and that *is* confirmed to be the correct PayPal account.
Click this link:[/font]
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/127/i-am-a-vet-we-need-help-please
We both would GREATLY appreciate it if you would kindly:[/font]
* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked
* Share the Wishlist post with your social networks (or share from here, of course)
* Offer whatever support you can (financial support, information, advice, well wishes, etc.)
You can contact him here at DU through PM or at Wishadoo.
This is a picture of KBlagburn on the Saudi-Iraq Border 1991
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[font color="green"]PLEASE NOTE: Anyone is welcome to use the tools at Wishadoo, so long as the Terms of Service are adhered to (basically "play nice" and don't lie). This includes creating posts in the Wishlist, a "craigslist of compassion." Most of us are struggling with one thing or another, and as you'll see, there are many categories in the Wishlist to cover a variety of issues/needs.
Wishadoo! is a portal of sorts, where there are tools to create more compassionate, cooperative communities; the Wishlist is where we can ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward. If you create a Wishlist post, let me know your DU name, and I can start to do weekly or biweekly threads such as this to highlight DUers' needs and offerings.
Any contributions to Wishadoo! goes toward the cost of maintaining the site, NOT toward any Wishlist posts. That takes place one on one, between Wishadoo! members. If you are able to help with costs to keep the site going, we all appreciate your generosity tremendously. Thanks to those who have already helped support Wishadoo! ~ OneGrassRoot[br]
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= new reply since forum marked as read
It works sometimes and not others. NO idea what that is about, but here is the email he uses for PayPal:
kblagburn64@bellsouth.net
Thanks much, and sorry about that.
you were in the right place.
Thanks again. 
I didn't realize that when I first posted, so my apologies.
And THANK YOU for everything!
and thanks.
as this fine DUer needs our help.
YES, we can walk and chew gum at the same time and WE CARE.
Being of service to others can be the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
Yes, I did. Still working on it, trying to promote the various tools there, as I also work on surviving myself.
Thanks for the kind words. I really, really appreciate it.
Using the opportunity to thank you for your kindness to kick this again!
Sorry in advance if anyone has questions for me. I shall return...
I'll make sure he sees it.
Hard to do with all the Romney stuff.
....and thank you, OGR!
I am overwhelmed. Words do not do justice to the gratitude I wish to express. Thank you so much.
This is a picture of me on the Saudi-Iraq Border 1991
Though you might like to put face to the postl
I have nothing to give right now but a kick and rec. 
EVERYONE'S contribution -- including those who kick and rec but are in dire straits themselves financially and can't donate -- are helping TREMENDOUSLY.
Moral support. It means the world.
but I hope every little bit helps.
TRULY.
EVERYONE'S contribution -- including those who kick and rec but are in dire straits themselves financially and can't donate -- are helping TREMENDOUSLY.
Moral support. It means the world.
Unlike some people, we know that we're in this together.
(I wish that I could help, but I'm in a similar situation: no money, no job, and living rent-free with a total stranger...)
Do we have an update on how far along we are toward the goal? Inquiring minds...putting more work on you...
but I'm sure KBlagburn will let me know tomorrow morning, and I'll be sure to let you guys know (if he hasn't done so himself by then).
I'm calling it a night, but will check in super early.
Thanks, Everyone!
I cant say thank you enough. This is beyond my wildest imaginations. You have blessed me and my family so much. Words are not enough to say thank you from the bottom, top, and middle of my heart. Thank you for helping to reach our goal. 
right now, 'cause I have less that $10. between me and the end of the month.
Thank goodness my son got a job recently.
We're not alone.
I have it relatively easy in that regard, compared to some people I know.
Again!
I'll come back around lunchtime and hopefully KBlagburn will have an update for us, and I'll then update the OP accordingly.
PLEASE KNOW.....
Blessings to you and yours, and everyone here.
