How One VFW Officer Changed a Veteran’s Life

A Lifetime of Service, Decades of Pain
For more than four decades after serving in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard, former Staff Sgt. Donna L. Jefferies lived with constant pain and limited mobility. Injuries to her back, finger, ankle, arm and knee followed her long after her military service ended, shaping daily life around chronic discomfort. Like many veterans, Jefferies spent years unaware of the benefits and support systems available to her.

Finding the Help She Didn’t Know Existed
That changed in late 2023 when Jefferies connected with VFW Accredited Service Officer Zachary “Zac” Lee. With his guidance, she began navigating the disability claims process and accessing long-overdue care. The experience, she says, was life-changing. What once felt overwhelming became manageable through clear guidance, steady advocacy and personal support.

Real Relief, Real Results
With access to VA resources, Jefferies has seen meaningful improvements in her health and quality of life. Her chronic back pain, once a constant burden, is now being treated through monthly acupuncture sessions at a VA hospital. What she once described as daily pain at an eight on a ten-point scale has dropped to a two. For Jefferies, the difference is more than physical — it’s emotional relief, too, after decades of simply pushing through.

Paying It Forward to Fellow Veterans
Now, Jefferies is using her own experience to encourage other veterans to seek help. She urges friends and fellow service members to connect with the VFW’s National Veterans Service program, reminding them that they don’t have to navigate the system alone. Her story is a reminder that support exists — and that sometimes, the first step toward healing is knowing where to turn.