Hello and thank you for taking your time to read about me! My name is David, and I am trying to help fellow service-connected disabled Veterans and their spouses live a much fuller life. Per an NIH study regarding mortality, the average lifespan of a 100% service-connected veteran is 67 years. I am currently 51 years old and was diagnosed 2 years ago with an incurable disease due to toxic exposures while in the service. While the average lifespan of this disease is 6-10 years from diagnosis, I am hopeful that over time the science will provide better options for individuals such as myself.

After my time in the US Navy, I went to college, got married, and have two beautiful children. My wife and I have been working hard and saving money for retirement. We have one daughter who is 19 and in college, and a son who is 17. Our son was born with a mental and physical disability which is debilitating enough that he requires supervised care, and will live with us the rest of our days. Because of my service-connected disability, I am greatly hindered in the ability to hold down a job due to the continuous chemotherapy appointments and other related healthcare issues.

When speaking with Veterans at the VA and online, I hear similar stories as mine. I am proposing a bill to Congress which does not cost the taxpayer any money, and will help Veterans greatly. The DUSL Act, short for the Divestment of Unavailable Savings to Live Act, empowers eligible veterans to access their retirement savings at any age without incurring taxes or penalties. This legislation provides a crucial financial lifeline, allowing veterans to utilize their funds whenever necessary, with built-in safeguards to ensure responsible use. I know my time is more limited now. With this Act, my wife can rest a little easier knowing when she needs extra money to modify the home, take my son on a trip, or have unexpected medical expenses, she can withdraw from our retirement savings instead of looking for a second job or taking out a loan.

I have been invited to Washington DC and various congressional districts to lobby for this bill; however, I am paying for these expenses myself. Any contributions will help me attend these meetings, maintain the website, and other expenses to get this bill passed in 2025, so that vets can access their hard-earned savings without penalty or tax. With your help, we can do it together. Please check out my GoFundMe page.

Thank you for your support!