Ace's Story

Hello! I am Petty Officer 3rd Class, Acilia (Ace) Wiles. I joined the Navy my Junior year in high school. I was the youngest of 7 and my parents hadn't been together since I was 4 years old. They both worked very hard to provide for us but raising 7 children wasn't cheap or easy. I was not prepared for college and knew I would probably flunk out if I continued my education immediately after High School. Also, The Navy gave me a hefty college education bonus on top of the all ready generous GI Bill. I served 1 year in the delayed entry program and started my 4 years active duty in 2001 before 9/11. During which time I served one deployment in the Persian Gulf. I worked on F-14 Tomcats before they were decommissioned and HC60 Helicopters as an Avionics Electronics Technician (mechanic). After 4 years of heavy lifting and wrench turning I had issues with my upper body and to date have had 10 surgeries between my shoulders and wrist.

I exited in 2005 at the end of time served. Since then I have lived all over the US, Madison WI to Las Vegas, NV to Chicago IL and finally settled back in IA close to my family. Where I found the love of my life in my Junior year Prom Date (also a disabled Vet who served 5 years in the Army).

I looked at the world differently, not good, not bad, just different. I started to have anxiety and deep depression. This was very strange for me as I was a social butterfly growing up. I noticed that I was wanting to stay home more and more. I don't like loud places or noises or crowds. I can't sit in places that I can't see an unobstructed path to the door, etc. As my pain worsens The deeper inside I go and the more debilitating my problems get. I pray for help, wisdom and strength every day.

I got to a point that I was so scared of what I might do that I finally reached out to the VA. They suggested I look into a service dog along with other ways to cope and get through the day. Consequently finding Retrieving Freedom. I called to inquire about some things and the way I was treated made me feel a sense of calm. As my training has gotten going and I am working more with the dogs, I feel grounded when I am with them. I feel comforted and safe. Therefore going into public will not be such a daunting task. I finally have hope that I can get to a place where I can possibly get back some of my old self.

I cant express what getting involved with Retrieving Freedom and the wonderful staff there has done for me. Help is out there! I no longer feel that my families lives would be better if I wasn't around to drag them down.

THANKS TO RETRIEVING FREEDOM

Donations in the forms of checks may be sent to:

Retrieving Freedom, Inc.

1152 230th Street

Waverly, Iowa 50677