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Iraq Veterans Against the War

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Eric Estenzo

Admin Category: 
Crisis in Veterans Healthcare

During his tour of duty in Iraq in 2003, Marine Corps reservist Eric Estenzo suffered a non-combat-related back injury. The thorough and prompt treatment Estenzo received back at Camp Pendleton in California lived up to his trust in the VA health care system. After his honorable discharge in 2005, Estenzo had no reason to believe that the system wouldn’t continue to take care of him. As his injury lingered, however, Estenzo faced repeated brush-offs, bureaucratic hurdles, and redundant paperwork. The adjustment to civilian life was also proving to be unexpectedly challenging. Estenzo’s savings dried up as meaningful employment eluded him and he suffered a nervous breakdown. Before too long, he found himself bordering on homelessness on the streets of Los Angeles. Thanks to support from fellow veterans, Estenzo is back on his feet but still struggles with a system that has undermined his faith in the U.S. military.

Recorded Date: 
Mar 13th 2008
Category: 
Video

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