The Rios Family
In April of 2008, reservist Juan Rios found himself at Contingency Operating Base (COB) Speicher, just northwest of Tikrit, Iraq an area where the National resistance is known to be intense. As part of the 345th Combat Support Hospital, Juan witnessed some horrific events and injuries which subsequently led to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and bouts with anger. While in Iraq, Juan was diagnosed with sleep walking and later a disc protrusion on his lower back that made it difficult for him to run. In the Fall of 2008, Juan was sent to Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio to take part in a series of sleep studies, he was diagnosed with sleep apnea. While at Wilford Hall, Juan lived in the barracks, meantime Juan’s wife Jennifer remained in their home state of Florida. Once Jennifer came to San Antonio, the two stayed at the apartment of a friend for almost three months. The apartment complex turned out to be a hotbed for criminal activity. About this time creditors began calling on Juan about his unpaid bills. To complicate matters Jennifer was laid off from her job. Their bills were far exceeding their income. It was a member of Juan’s section that told him about Operation Homefront Village in San Antonio. Juan, Jennifer and their two sons moved into OH Village in April 2009. Juan recently got his disability rating from the Army. He is currently waiting for his Veteran’s Administration benefits to take effect. For the Rios, being able to live at OH Village has enabled them to get a fresh start on a new life. Juan is enrolled at nearby Wayland Baptist University. He is 12 credits shy of a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Education and Human Resources. With the help of a financial planner provided by Operation Homefront, the Rios’ are now current with bills. Wife Jennifer is working at Best Buy so they can save up for a home. Instead of struggling, the Rios are getting ahead, they have been able to put their 3-year-old into pre-school and Juan is looking at a possible job with USAA.