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FLORIDA VETERAN FIGHTS FOR HIS LIFE AND FOR HIS

WIFE -- "My husband is given X amount of time to live,

and they know that. So I think they are holding out

trying not to pay the benefits."

 

Russell Clark

 

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Polk veteran fights for his life and for his wife

Russell Clark has struggled to get his veteran's benefits.

BARTOW - To take care of her husband, Amy Clark had to quit her job and stop going to college.

Now every day is filled keeping track of medications, and making phone calls trying to shake benefits out of the Veterans' Administration.

"My husband is given x amount of time to live, and they know that. So I think they are holding out trying not to pay the benefits," she explained.

In Vietnam 40 years ago, 18-year-old Russell Clark was sprayed twice Agent Orange, a cancer-causing defoliant that was supposed to destroy the enemy's jungle hideouts. Instead, it's caused cancers in thousands of Veterans.

Now Clark is dying of lung cancer, and he has convinced the V. A. his cancer is service related.

He is still trying to get the government to certify posttraumatic stress disabilities.

"I believe in the V. A. and patriotism. I'd fight again if I could. But after this, I wouldn't want a dog to go through this," he said.

Clark says his fear is that he will die, and his wife won't get his benefits despite quitting her job and giving up her education to take care of him.

The Clarks turned to Polk County Veteran's Affairs for help. They're trying to help 67,000 veterans with only five counselors.

"They just cannot do it alone, and help is out there for them. They've got to have that because they just cannot do it alone, it's just too complex today," offered Director John Hopkins.

Amy Clark - and other older veteran's families as well - believe they are being pushed aside by the needs of other, younger veterans.

"I'm losing my husband, I'm losing my life. I may end up losing our place to live," she said.

Late Monday, Congressman Adam Putnam's office told FOX 13 Mrs. Clark was granted dependent status, and will receive compensation for caring for her husband.

Russell Clark says just knowing his wife will get survivors' benefits gives him great comfort.

"I'm trying to do the best I can," he said. "Whenever I'm gone, to financially take care of her."

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Larry Scott  --