Make a difference in the lives of veterans like Kyle today!

My name is Kyle Edwards and I grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After I graduated Oakland High School in 2002, I went to pursue higher education at Middle Tennessee State University. I was there for one year before I realized that college wasn't for me. For 3 years, I tried every blue-collar job out there. I came to the realization that I needed to serve my country.

I joined the United States Marine Corps in March of 2005 and was shipped off to boot camp at the end of the month. After completing boot camp, I was sent to school for Motor Transport Organizational Mechanic and then to the fleet at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I was stationed with 2^nd Maintenance Battalion. I volunteered to be a Military Police Officer for fourteen months overseas and then returned to my original battalion. In August of 2007, I deployed as a basic infantryman with 2^nd Combat Engineer Battalion to Fallujah, Iraq. My mission as a squad leader was to be a QRF, Quick Reaction Force, for the surrounding area of Fallujah. I lead thirteen Marines and one Corpsman for nine months without any major injuries. I returned in May 2008 and then re-enlisted to be a recruiter. I recruited in Chattanooga, Tennessee from 2009-2012 and successfully recruited seventy-five young men and women. I decided to return to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with an artillery unit 3^rdBattalion 10^th Marines until they disbanded.

The last unit I was attached to was 1^st Battalion 9^th Marines, 2^nd Marine Division. We deployed in September 2013 to Southern Helmand Providence, Afghanistan where we stayed for nine months. I was the Shop Chief over the Motor Transport section in charge of thirty Marines and one Corpsman. On February 13^th, 2014 I was on a recovery mission to get a blown-up truck from an IED attack. On our way back to base, I was in the third truck of a convoy when my truck struck a one-hundred pound IED. It was struck on my side of the truck that rendered me unconscious for a few minutes. I was transported by Black Hawk Life Flight back to the base hospital. I woke up twenty-four hours later in a neck brace. I received a grade three concussion, as well as back and neck pain. I was in recovery in the Wounded Warrior Barracks for a week and then returned to the mission at hand. On February 28^th, 2014, our convoy was hit by a six-hundred-pound car bomb, which killed one of our gunners, LCpl Caleb Erickson. Stunned and heartbroken, we still had to finish the mission. Once the mission was completed, we returned to the states. While being assessed by the VA, I was diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, along with my other back injuries. On April 24^th, 2014 I received my Purple Heart and Combat Action medals. On October 1^st, 2014 I received an honorable discharge out of the Marine Corps. Since then, I have been battling my PTSD/ TBI and other injuries on a daily basis. I try to deal with daily life as best as I know how but continue to struggle emotionally, mentally, and physically. My family and friends try to help me cope with my emotional distress but I don't always know how to accept it or deal with my anxious feelings. I think that a service dog will help with my anxiety and being in public places. I do enjoy going out and participating in social activities but my anxiety and anger gets the best of me. I avoid going to concerts, football games, and eating out with my family because of my anxiety. I have been prescribed many pills from the VA but they do not seem to be the answer for me. I work full time and attend college so that I can provide opportunities for myself and my family. I want to be the supportive and loving husband and father I envisioned I could be. Having a service dog to help me through my tough times and assist me with my anxiety would be life changing. Thank you for your time and God Bless America! "Semper Fidelis," Latin for "Always Faithful!"

Donations in the form of checks may be sent to:

Retrieving Freedom, Inc.

1152 230th Street

Waverly, Iowa 50677