Disabled Vets Tell Their Stories of Firings and Service Setbacks

This week, Disabled American Veterans launched a new initiative to “solicit and highlight the stories of disabled veterans and spouses who have experienced service setbacks or been fired from jobs across multiple federal agencies as part of the White House and Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to downsize the federal government.”

The group’s national commander, Daniel Contreras, says: “It’s heart-wrenching to hear from veterans who are contacting us with fear and anxiety about the future of the benefits, services and health care they’ve earned.”

Among them is Mandy Midgett, an Air Force veteran who was fired from the Federal Aviation Administration, who posted a video in which she said: 

“This takes a toll on my emotional health since I have led a life of service and giving back to the American public. It is also my primary source of income, and now I will be cutting out some things in my life to ensure I can pay my bills.”