Success Story

Joe Raicaldo
November 11 2006

Joe Raicaldo was injured while serving in Iraq when his Humvee took a sharp turn and flipped. He suffered traumatic brain injury, broke his back, and shattered his left arm. Over the next few months, he underwent numerous surgeries to repair his broken body. Back in the US, he was no longer able to work as a car mechanic, and after a short stint patrolling Penn Station in New York with the National Guard, and another stay in a VA hospital, he ended up homeless.

IAVA worked with Joe to bring his story to the attention of the major news networks, and he recently appeared on both CNN and NPR. After his media appearances, Joe was granted a 100% disability status, which earns him $2600 a month, and his story has undoubtedly helped to shed some light on the issue of homeless war veterans.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

• Listen to an NPR story on Joe Raicaldo - December 22, 2006.
• Click here to watch Joe's story on CNN, in a segment hosted by Anderson Cooper. You can also click here to read the transcript.
• Click here to listen to NPR's story, 'Iraq War Vets Return; Some Have No Home.'