Falling Through the Cracks: A Veteran’s Fight for Dignity, Survival and Hope
In a stripped-down trailer tucked away on a friend’s property, Mike Dolbow spends his days surviving instead of living. “I love my country,” he says. “I just want it to love me back.” This is the reality for millions of veterans like Dolbow, who face poverty and disability after serving their nation.
His story begins in Oregon in the 1980s when he entered the National Guard. He claims that members of his unit were white supremacists and ran a drug operation. When he told his ranking sergeant, the members beat him, leaving him with severe head trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that have affected him throughout his life.
After serving for two years, he was ready to apply for veteran status and receive assistance for the injuries he suffered during service. He was told that his records were missing, and several politicians and agencies blew him off when he reached out for help.
He did receive a response from one, though. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) wrote him back to inform him that he doesn’t qualify for a DD 214, a document that proves military service, because he didn’t finish training.
He does, however, have a Form 22, which is the National Guard’s equivalent to the DD 214 form. It shows that he served for two years and a few days. Despite this, his fight for Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits has continued for decades.
In the many years since his battle for compensation began, he’s remained determined to make a life for himself. He was able to earn a Master’s degree in electrical engineering and worked as a consultant for manufacturing firms. He even dabbled in voice acting.
Dolbow was doing well for himself. Then, his life took a turn for the worst. He suffered from multiple medical emergencies that left him disabled and homeless. He lived on the streets and in and out of homeless shelters before a friend offered to let him camp out on his property.
That property is where he remains today. He’s set up shop in a stripped down trailer and has made just enough to get by through working odd jobs.
In the next town over, Marine Corps veteran and VetComm CEO Kate Monroe got wind of Dolbow’s story. Monroe and her company have helped thousands of veterans across the country get the disability benefits they’re owed from their service. So, when she heard the story of a veteran who fell through bureaucratic cracks, she knew she had to personally step in.
It wasn’t long before Monroe and her team took the 40 minute drive to his setup to hear his story and to hand deliver essentials to him. Because he lives tucked away on a property, it was difficult to find his encampment without him first coming into the road to flag the team down. He led the group back to his makeshift home, hidden and intentionally concealed to avoid a shutdown by the county. It was a heartbreaking sight to see a veteran living this way–scraping by and living only one degree above homelessness. Yet, it became apparent that even in the hardest of times, Dolbow proves to be resourceful and inventive. For every resource he lacked, he had engineered a solution himself.
But he shouldn’t have to live this way. Monroe and the team gifted Dolbow items like tactical gear, food, storage containers, personal care items, a local public transit pass, a computer setup and more. Monroe even handed him an envelope of cash, with the promise to provide the same amount every month while he gets back on his feet.
Dolbow had graciously welcomed the team into his home. As he shared his story, the crew’s empathetic silence filled the space. Monroe sat beside him to remind him that he served his country, and regardless of a DD 214, he is a veteran with a story that matters.
“Veterans like Mike Dolbow remind us why VetComm exists–to ensure no one who served this country is left behind,” said Monroe. “Mike’s resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges is inspiring, but it’s also a stark reminder of the systemic failures that veterans often face. At VetComm, we’re committed to bridging those gaps and helping veterans reclaim the dignity and support they deserve.”
VetComm isn’t stopping there to help Dolbow. Monroe is working to get him into free transitional housing for veterans. She’s also planning to partner and collaborate with him on a project to help veterans who find themselves in similar circumstances..
This isn’t the end of Dolbow’s story. It’s only the beginning of his journey into veteran advocacy. His story is no longer one of survical–it’s one of hope, resilience and advocacy for those who served.
Watch “Saving Mike Dolbow” below: