Sergeant Hai Nguyen joined the military in 2006. He served in various roles as an infantry rifleman, team lead and squad leader. Sergeant Nguyen deployed twice to Iraq, once to Afghanistan, and once to the South East, Asia region. While taking indirect fire from rockets and mortars, in Afghanistan Sgt Nguyen suffered a severe concussion and sustained a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. Even after his injury, Sgt Nguyen still had aspiration to do a 3rd reenlistment as a combat instructor. As his symptoms became worse, he was reassigned to Camp Pendleton and the Naval Medical Center San Diego for treatment.
When asked what it meant to have a furnished home Sgt Nguyen said, “I lost my service dog of 6 years that I was paired up with when I was at the Wounded Warrior Battalion in Camp Pendleton. It added a lot of increased stress and anxiety before I got into this condo. I moved into my new condo about 3 weeks ago and was not at place financially to furnish my place. Without any furniture, it felt a bit empty and not a real home. I am hopeful to get back on my feet again once I get everything situated with my home, eventually get another service dog, go back to school, and then get back to working again. Having my home furnished by Furnishing Hope meant the world to me. It’s the first step of me getting back on my feet.”
We are honored to have been able to furnish Sgt Nguyen’s home. We wish him happiness and health as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
