Vietnam Veteran’s story one of many on July 4

On July 4, we recall the stories of the millions of Veterans whose sacrifices helped secure our freedom. Here is the story of just one brave Veteran among the many.

Mike Tarpley spent three years serving in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. A two-time Purple Heart recipient, he spent 363 days in hospitals for various injuries during active duty.

After being hit by a hand grenade and losing his front teeth, Tarpley refused to be medically evacuated for surgery. “I was a sergeant. I had to get back to my men,” he recalled. It wasn’t until he suffered a career-ending injury to his ankle that he agreed to be discharged.

Tarpley’s strong work ethic and (as he says) hardheadedness stuck with him after transitioning out of the military. After returning home, he worked 35 years on oil rigs until he was physically incapable of continuing the work.

Getting VA care

“It wasn’t until I got older that I realized my body had been through a lot,” he said. When he was ready to take his health seriously, he sought out Disabled American Veterans for help determining his eligibility at VA.

“I just sort of realized I earned these benefits. I may as well use them,” he figured.

Tarpley’s injuries from his time in Vietnam were far more extensive than he had initially thought. The hand grenade that knocked out his front teeth had caused substantial nerve damage and healing required more work than expected.

After addressing his injuries, Tarpley began to see the importance of maintaining his health; he now receives care regularly at the George H. O’Brien Jr. VAMC in Big Springs, Texas. Although he was hesitant to use virtual care, he found VA tools that worked for him. He now uses My HealtheVet to view health records and securely message his providers.

“I can always expect to get a response back within 48 hours,” he added.

14,000 hours volunteering at VA

As senior vice commander of DAV Chapter 47 in Big Spring, Texas, Tarpley is committed to ensuring other Veterans take full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned. He has worked to secure housing, employment and health care for many Veterans.

When he’s not working with DAV, he is likely volunteering at his local VA clinic. Tarpley has accumulated nearly 14,000 volunteer hours and much of that time is spent leading a PTSD group. His community service is unmatched, and does not go unnoticed. He has earned numerous awards for his continued service over the years, the most recent being Big Spring’s Man of the Year award.

What does the man of the year want Veterans to know this Fourth of July? “Get involved and give back. There’s always someone who could use the help.”