Legal issues can be a complicated, time-consuming hurdle to overcome. So when Marine veteran Theo Bardley* turned to Panhandle Warrior Partnership (PWP) for support in resolving a legal issue, the PWP team combed their resources to see what support could be provided.
Theo served 20 years in the Marine Corps, retired as an E7 Gunnery Sergeant with an Honorable Discharge, and now works security in the Ft. Walton Beach area. He learned about the PWP program from Program Lead Keith Manley. Mr. Bardley contacted PWP after feeling frustrated dealing with an unresolved legal issue. He told PWP Case Coordinator Kenneth Thompson that he had been dealing with this matter for years, and nothing had progressed with it. Mr. Bardley informed Case Coordinator Thompson that when he contacted his previous lawyer, the lawyer was just asking for more money to complete what should have already been completed. Mr. Bardley just wanted to be done with this situation, but didn’t have many options.
First, Case Coordinator Thompson searched the PWP network to see if Mr. Bardley was able to qualify for legal support with a North Florida contact. Unfortunately, Mr. Bardley did not qualify for their services, but Thompson was able to inquire further about his record. The legal team recommended that Mr. Bardley seek out an expungement package in the state where charges were filed. Learning this, Case Coordinator Thompson then sent Mr. Bardley the contact information for a local congressman's office.
A few weeks later, Mr. Bardley contacted the congressman's office, and they informed him that they have been working on his case and that his record would be expunged with their help. Mr. Bardley was relieved and thanked PWP for their help and guidance throughout this process. PWP is always happy to use our resources to help veterans in the Panhandle community in whatever way we can.
*Name has been changed in this story to protect the individual's identity.
The Panhandle is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with PWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Panhandle veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: https://www.panhandlewarriorpartnership.org