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4 • NOVEMBER 2020 - Senior Voice of Hernando County
KECKLER this to one, they’re doing helps veterans young and old.

continued from page 3 this to all. From that moment “I met a Vietnam Special
on, my mission has been to Forces vet at a recent

then,” she said. “There’s a big make sure veterans get their meeting,” she said. “He told
difference today – all these entitlements. me he was having a difficult
entities are welcoming of “It’s amazing the percentage time getting an MRI and eye
veterans.” of veterans out there who exam at the VA hospital. He’d

Mary Ann worked with many don’t know what they are been trying for three months

Vietnam vets to help them get entitled to, especially those to get appointments. I said,
the care the deserved. Then, who served in the time I ‘give me your information.’
her son was seriously injured did,” she added. “Today, By the time the meeting
while on R&R with the Air thankfully, they leave with ended, I had scheduled an
Force. that knowledge.” MRI for the next day and Mary Ann Keckler, U.S. Navy
the eye exam for the next
“My son served in Libya in Mary Ann moved to Hernando week. He said, ‘How did you veteran.
the months before the 9/11 County in 1989. She was do that?’ I said, ‘It just got or traumatic brain injuries.
attacks,” she said. “When he her son’s caregiver until his done.’” In 2004, Mary Ann received a
came back on R&R, he was death in 2016 and continued call from a physician who had

in an accident and broke his her work with veteran’s He said, “‘I may have been treated her son. He told her
neck. He spent the rest of his groups, including serving as special forces in the military, that family members – mostly
life in a wheelchair.” the DAV representative to but Mary Ann’s special forces
James A. Haley VA Hospital, in the hospital.’” spouses and children – of
The VA tried to deny him where she works with state these wounded veterans were
benefits. Mary Ann fought for representatives and all the Mary Ann also has brought traveling to Tampa to be near
and got her son the care he DAV VA volunteers. her advocacy to the Hernando their loved one in the hospital.
needed. County Veteran’s Court. In But they didn’t have any
Her ability to problem solve Florida, Veteran’s courts are money, so they were sleeping
“I thought, ‘if they’re doing designed to assist justice- in their cars.
V
involved defendants with
S SENIOR ENIOR VOICEOICE the complex treatment needs “I said, ‘not on my watch.’

I formed a committee we
associated with substance
called Haley House and we
abuse, mental health, and
worked with local hotels to
other issues unique to the

families. I’m proud to say
www.seniorvoicehernando.com traumatic experience of give us reduced rates for these
war. Mary Ann and other
The Senior Voice in Hernando County is a monthly Here are just a few of the many many mentors work with the that Hernando County raised
community newspaper targeted toward adults 55 & older. locations to pick up a Senior Voice. veterans, the judicial system, $79,000 in one week! It’s
Walmart on Spring Hill Dr. and the VA to get the veterans still going; we’re still putting

Locally owned & operated. therapy for PTSD or medical families up in these hotels,”
Publisher– Jim Vavala Walmart on US 19 in Spring Hill care and rehabilitative services she said.
Editor – Megan Carella The YMCA on Mariner for substance abuse issues. Mary Ann says she will
If the veteran follows the
Graphic Design – Jake VanHook prescribed protocol for one continue to help veterans as

Advertising Coordinator: Jim Vavala Doc’s Diner on Cortez & Mariner year, their criminal record is long as she is able.

Sales- Shelley Ketchum, Lisa Nash Walgreens at Glen Lakes expunged. “My knowledge goes to
anyone who needs it. I am
Distribution - Jennifer Jernigan The Afghanistan and Iraq here to make sure our veterans
Publix in Brooksville on Cortez Wars have brought new get their entitlements,” she

To advertise or get information: call Main Street Eatery downtown needs to the forefront, as said. “If I can help a veteran
service people have suffered
352-277-6309 Brooksville severe wounds from IEDs or family member and I see
a smile on their face, it’s like
(improvised explosive giving me a million dollars.
To submit photos or articles send to – P.O. Box 15622 Brooksville, FL. 34604 Or email to – seniorvoice99@gmail.com devices). The James A. Haley
Reproduction of any part of the Senior Voice in Hernando County without written permission hospital is the main veterans “My mission is not yet complete.”

from Publisher is prohibited. Copyright @ 2020 by Lynn Haven Ledger LLC. hospital for patients with TBI,