BELFAST, Maine — Army veteran Jeremy Gilley managed to survive tours of duty in Iraq only to lose both of his legs in a roadside accident while attempting to aid the occupant of a wrecked vehicle on Route 3 in Palermo in December.
Gilley, 27, of Palermo had parked just in front of the crashed pickup truck on the morning of Dec. 18 and had gone to help the injured driver. But a 16-year-old driving a minivan did not see the accident and struck the parked truck, pinning Gilley between the two vehicles.
Because Gilley’s veterans benefits do not cover the cost of some specialized prostheses, including the pair he seeks, area residents have been raising money through potluck suppers throughout Waldo County.
Saturday’s benefit was held at Frank D. Hazeltine American Legion Post 43 in Belfast.
Gilley was unable to attend the benefit, but the supper drew a large crowd of supporters, including U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud.
Michaud said Gilley showed selfless courage in coming to the aid of the injured motorist and deserved the support of his state and nation.
“I’m very appreciative of his service to the country. It’s a very unfortunate thing, this tragic accident,” Michaud said. “I’m here today to see what help I can do to see him and his family get through these difficult times and to show my support both morally and financially.”
Michaud added that he expected a number of people to make large donations on Gilley’s behalf.
For information or to donate, contact Jackie Martin at 505-1131 or jamartin39@gmail.com.
Thanks, Mike! We always appreciate your support for veterans and military affairs.
Did no one involved in this accident have insurance? While a applaud the effort of those who are stepping up to help this real hero, isn’t someone else financially responsible for his injuries and the rehab and prostheses that will help him to return to his life. This situation is wrong on so many levels.
Yes the 16 year old driver had insurance, but the insurance will not cover all of the medical expenses and the VA can only do so much where this was not an injury sustained on active duty or in combat
Thanks Jacki for the information. I pray that with everyone standing up for this young man he will soon be able to stand on his own.
Now, will someone tell me again why we don’t need a single payer health care system?
Your welcome Kathy,
I just want to say that I recieved a call from the Jim Dougherty today and he is the under-director of the VA Togus medical facility. He assured me that the VA is doing everything they can for Jeremy, meaning they are handling all of his medical needs. He stated that it did not matter that he was not on active duty or in combat so I was wrong about that part.
The American Legion did this fundraiser and should be headlined for doing so. Thank you Jeremy for your service to our country. I have sent a check to him and I encourage those who can to do the same.
Thank you,
I know the Gilley family appreciates all of the support they have and are recieving.
“Michaud added that he expected a number of people to make large donations on Gilley’s behalf.”
If Michaud truly wanted to help rather than just us this as a political opportunity why didn’t he pony up the money himself? It’s not like he couldn’t afford it!
I am so sick and tired of Michaud playing himself off as a champion for Veterans. Give me a break……He is another one of the do nothing Congressman that needs to be replaced!
He did donate money and he donated to the raffle.
Thank you BDN for covering the Gilley story, with your help the benefit dinner was a success
I just wanted to make a quick note about the portion that states “Gilleys veterans benefits do not cover the cost of the prosthetics”. I just recieved a call from Jim Dougherty the under-director of the VA Togus facility and he assured me this was not accurate and the VA is handling Jeremy’s case. The VA is doing everything they can for Jeremy. If anyone would like you can contact me and I can give you the contact information for Jim.