Helping Kim Hubers

Kim Hubers joined the South Dakota National Guard as a heavy motor vehicle operator. Just months after enlisting, she was deployed to the Middle East, where she drove 18-hour days for months between the port in Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq, and to other hostile areas. As with many veterans, service took a toll on her body and mind, which worsened as she returned home.

After her military service, a different battle awaited Hubers as she fought tirelessly to receive the benefits she had earned.

“I just get so frustrated not being able to get medical care because I don’t look sick, I don’t act sick, I don’t behave like I’m sick,” said Hubers. “I did not get taken seriously by doctors before.”

It wasn’t until several years of VA denials that Kim was able to receive the benefits she earned, thanks to the help of DAV benefits advocate Owen Richards.

“I didn’t know about DAV, and I looked around for who could help with my claim to represent me, and DAV came up,” recalled Hubers. “I called frantic, and they sent me to Owen.”

Despite the challenges she has faced, Hubers has found a new purpose in helping her fellow veterans through DAV. 

Listen as Kim Hubers shares how DAV was there for her and how she pays it forward by clicking the play button below.