Ernie Flynn, an Assiniboine/Sioux from the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, has spent 10 years helping fellow veterans get the care and services they need.

Flynn served in the Vietnam War. He was injured when a mortar exploded a few feet from him but it wasn't until he returned home to Montana that he began to feel the effects.

In 1974, he went blind and deaf. Both senses came in and out but by 1977, he was completely blind and partially deaf in both ears. Doctors later attributed the injuries to the mortar blast.

Flynn also suffers from Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral neuropathy. He attributes all of his conditions to war, but he they haven't stopped him from logging more than 7,000 hours as a volunteer at VA outpatient clinic in Billings. He plans to work until he logs 10,000 more hours.

Get the Story:
Veterans' Best friend: VA volunteer has walked in their shoes (The Billings Gazette 3/13)

Relevant Links:
National Native American Veterans Association - http://www.nnava.org

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