Guy E. Wassather, 66, of Minneapolis, Minnesota joined the United States Navy in 1971 to serve his country. He was discharged in 1978. More than four decades later, he still feels the effects of his seven years of service.
Second Class Petty Officer Wassather worked as an Aviation Storekeeper. His first tour was aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. His second enlistment was at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Wassather was stationed on an aircraft carrier for four years. He worked receiving supplies on the flight deck. Each day, he was in earshot of landing and departing aircrafts. The noises caused permanent hearing loss and left him with constant ringing in his ears.
A proud father of four, Wassather struggles at times to communicate with his children and wife, especially in loud settings. “My family has to repeat themselves constantly.” He continues, “I can’t hear them in restaurants and at other large gatherings.”
He was at a loss for what to do until a friend referred him to the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS). He was soon connected with VFW representative Robyn Kuznik. She worked quickly to help him navigate the claims process to receive medical treatment.
“I could not have done it without Robyn,” said Wassather. “There was a mountain of paperwork. It would have taken me hours to complete myself.”
After his first test, Wassather received a VA disability rating of 10%. Based on his results, the VA will provide Wassather with hearing aids at no cost.
According to Wassather, NVS representatives like Kuznik help veterans “dot all the ‘i’s’ and cross all the ‘t’s’.” They do this so veterans receive important medical care quickly and without hassle.