Hello All,

My name is Matthew Aaron Leggett, and I'm here to ask for your help while I continue to recover from a motor vehicle accident. On 30 November 2020 I was on my way to CLS (Combat Lifesavers School) for the Army Reserve up at Camp Atterbury. I was near my destination when I hit black ice, spun out, and when I corrected, was struck by a semi-tractor-trailer going 65-70mph. At that moment, when I saw the headlights of the semi in my rearview mirror, I made my peace with God and believed I was about to die. After impact, I hit a car on the shoulder that had spun out, skidded alongside their driver's side, and then hit a roadwork sign. My car did a 180 with my front bumper stuck on the roadwork sign and my rear bumper halfway onto the entrance ramp.

I was taken by ambulance to Columbus Regional, but due to COVID they released me after a CT scan of my torso to rule out internal bleeding. It wasn't until a later date that I had X-rays, MRIs, and a CT of my head. They determined I have spinal damage from C4-C7 (Cervical) and L1-L2 (Lumbar), neurological damage affecting memory and concentration, nerve damage above my left eye requiring surgery, depression, anxiety, and PTSD as a result of the accident.

I was on orders at the time, which is both a blessing and a curse. I have been dealing with a formal Line of Duty investigation through US Army Reserve Command. The Army will cover all my medical expenses after May 2nd, but not previous visits. I have been unable to do physical therapy since Jan 5th 2021, and other specialist appointments due to US Army Command Reserve Regulations. I have been working with my chain of command to get into a Soldier Recovery Unit so I can focus on my recovery, but this is a lengthy and tedious process. I am also entitled to INCAP (Incapacitation Pay) since I was on orders, but once again, this is the government so this could be months until I see any of it.

I have unsuccessfully communicated with my civilian employer (US Bank) regarding FMLA and Short Term/Long Term Disability. It has been denied on two separate occasions despite supplying the appropriate medical records/documentation. I was terminated on 15 Nov 2021 and then "rehired" on 19 Nov 2021 after I notified them that this was a federal law violation of USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act). I am currently appealing their decision for the third time, but I am not holding my breath.

I have been helping take care of my 88yr old grandpa while I sort through all of this red tape. I have been in St. Louis for the last several months, aiding in his care and on 8 April 2022 had to resuscitate him. I aggravated my injuries, which has led to my mental health deteriorating due to the physical limitations/pain.

I never wanted things to get to this point, and I have been doing everything to remedy my situation with the Army, US Bank, and work on making a full recovery. That road to recovery has been an arduous one, and I am striving every day to get back to completing it. I am simply asking for help with rent, utilities, gas, food, credit card payments, payment toward a replacement vehicle, and day-to-day expenses that may arise. I do not know how long it will be until the Army rectifies my situation, and I am asking for help in the interim so that I am not stretched to my limit any more than I already am.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and, hopefully, your generosity...

Cheers & Kia Kaha

SPC. Matthew Aaron Leggett