Help for the Sutton Family
Donation protected
***Update at the bottom of page****
The Sutton family is experiencing one of life's most difficult times, the passing of a loved one. Albert William Sutton was a 21 year retired Army Veteran. He is a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend.
Like most, Albert joined the military at a young age. His experience while serving in countries like: Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Iraq, South Korea, and Germany, helped shape him into the friendly, compassionate, caring, funny, and over enthusiastic man we all knew him as. From his expansive knowledge in computers, music, cult classics, pop culture, and comedic wit, you never knew what to expect from him, he kept us all on our toes. Albert was a great leader and loyal soldier. Retiring as Sergeant 1st Class, he was always seen as a loyal soldier and described by close friends as "a soldier who followed orders without question". After he retired from the military in 2008, he later worked for the Department of Defense. There his personality and leadership played a huge role in the progression of his department and the morale of his staff. Some of the applications he created are still being implemented to this day.
While traveling in England in 2013, Al suffered a stroke and grand-mal seizure. Though the cause was unknown at that time, he recovered. He experienced multiple seizures until his return to the US. In 2014 he was later diagnosed with Neuro-Sarcoidosis, (a 1% diagnosed disease). This diagnoses influenced the decline in his mobility and cognition. Like most active and retired veterans, Albert suffered from PTSD, which affected his ability to appropriately care for his health, especially regarding his diagnoses.
Al and his common law wife of 12 years, Tammy, did the best they could with requesting assistance from the VA. Anyone whose worked with the VA knows that, depending on the location, its not as easy as you'd expect. This lack of needed assistance from the VA put a lot of responsibility on Tammy, while working full time, she was his sole caretaker for many years.
As Albert's health continued to decline, in 2022, his son Andrew, relocated his family (fiance and toddler) to Davenport to provide additional assistance and possibly help improve his health. His daughter, Jordina, soon followed with the same intentions. Unfortunately their efforts weren't enough and his health declined further.
In Mid September of 2023 Albert suffered a hemorrhagic stroke which landed him in the ICU. Doctors later confirmed that the hemorrhage had grown and was inoperable. Albert was in Hospice at the University of Iowa Hospital. He was unable to be transferred to a Hospice facility in Davenport due to VA coverage. His family remained by his side until his passing on Oct 1st, 2023. His children have been on unpaid leave for the last two weeks, and have commuted multiple times to be with him, some visits resulting in Hotel cost. It is unclear if the relationship between Albert and Tammy will be recognized and what additional benefits will be available after his passing.
The Sutton family is needing financial assistance with: transportation for Albert's parents and siblings to attend his funeral including hotel cost, personal bills his children accumulated while on unpaid leave to be by his side, out of pocket cost for medical and funeral services, and food cost for the family.
Any assistance and donation to the Sutton family during this time would be greatly appreciated.
***Update***
To view his obituary (which list his titles held and more detailed military service) and funeral date, please follow this link-
Organizer
Andrew Sutton
Organizer
Davenport, IA