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Fred Ellis
I am 41 years old, currently living in southern Georgia. Since the age of 18 I had been employed as a Law enforcement Officer, 4 years with the USAF military police, 8 years as a Uniform Patrol Officer in a South Georgia City, 6 years working as a homicide investigator and narcotics investigator, and 5 more years working with the Department of Justice. 23 years I gave everything I had to attempt to make the world a safer and better place, often at the expense of my Wife and 3 great boys. I have been shot at, stabbed, and had seen all the horrors of voilence and suffering that came with the job. Still I coped and felt great about my part in attempting to make a difference. Then in November of 1999 I was struck several times in the head, ending up in the hospital lossing a week of my life, awake, but not remembering. Not knowing how to walk, who my friends, family, and even my own kids were. Test after test, and no real answers. I healed, regained my funtions, walking , talking, BUT. Something wasn't right, I continued to forget things, headaches, dizziness, throwing up, Virtago, oh so simple........ Post Concussion Syndrome.

I had never heard of it. In and out of hospitals, back and forth to doctors. My job I love, well I couldn't continue, hard to when I had to have my kids help me walk on the bad days. Post concussion syndrome. Not bad I am lucky compared to a lot of other people here. A year later and no improvement, Kids still help me walk on my bad days, don't get me wrong, I have good days, weeks even, then it bites me again. Can't spell anymore so I have the kids help me, or use smaller words. Some days I can't drive, to dizzy. Moods I try to control, but I have to watch all the time. Sleep is a nightmare, spinning bed, like a good drunk without the booze. I continue to smile, I paid my dues, I am heaven bond when my day comes in my old age. My family is strong, supportive, loving. I still enjoy life.

THE SYSTEM. Surely I'll be alright, I thought well I can retire. The Department of Justice said so. No they tell me you can not come back to work, Doctors report won't let me. THIS WAS NOT A JOB RELATED INJURY, but I am told it dont matter, retire, your no good to us anymore, unless you can have your doctors change your medical reports. OK, I can deal with it, Retire, relax, try to get better. Social Security will help me also, years I worked the streets, seeing healthy people collect, surely they would help.

Kids: straight A's in school. Middle child has been tested as guiness, college, oh yes all of them, their goal. Oldest son has moved out, now delivers papers for a living. 2 youngest ones, 13 and 15 continue with Straight A's. College, well the thought was good....

What happened? I failed, I smile every day, even when I filed bankrubtcy, don't need to worry about that driving problem, bank got my truck. Guess they was looking out for my best interest.

Social Security. Nothing, not a penny.
Department of Justice. Nothing not a penny.
Income to date. Nothing not a penny.
Food stamps will help. Rejected, was told we still have my wifes car, sell it first, then come back and we will talk some more.
Hire a lawyer, sure thats the answer.

I smile every day, sincere, I still have the love of God and my family, I paid my dues

Email Fred