Update

I know it’s been a long time since I updated everyone and I wanted to say thank you for the positive thoughts and encouragement everyone shared with me. Part of why it’s been so long is because what we had been hoping was a temporary setback has become a permanent escalation of my medical issues. On a positive note, thanks to the diligent work of John Dowd and the VA Board of Appeals, my seven year old fight with the VA has ended and the VA now officially recognizes all of my medical issues. 

When I was medically retired from the Marine Corps I had no idea if I would ever find purpose again, like many veterans wonder. At PWC I was able to advocate to support veterans and partner with amazing non-profits like Four Block to help our community in ways I never dreamed would be possible. I am proud to have known the many people I have met through the past years, am proud of the many accomplishments we achieved, and am proud of the purpose we fulfilled together … and that’s what makes this next part so hard. 

I have been aware of the recent science from both the military and the NFL of the long term effects of traumatic brain injury, especially since mine is complicated with a TBI related seizure disorder, which is an indication for longer term neurological complications. I really hoped and believed that in my case I would have *much* longer before it had such an impact on my life, but there has been a significant acceleration in symptoms. I do not mind discussing them in private, but don’t think it right to put out there publicly. As an example, I am no longer able to write something this long or complex myself, and as you will see signed at the bottom it is transcribed by my wife. 

PWC has taken great care of me; I’ve reached the limit of short-term disability and I will be transitioning to long-term disability. In my current state, returning to my old job and my old position does not seem possible and my doctors would not sign off on my return if I tried. It would not be fair to myself or my workplace if I were to attempt a return. I’m going to be taking the next few months to transition and figure out what to do with the next phase of my life.

Semper Fidelis, 

Joshua Hartley

(transcribed by his wife Dawn Hartley)