Yauncey Long is a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Marine Corps Counterintelligence unit.
After being wounded in combat and earning a Purple Heart, he returned home with PTSD.
His experience highlights how our nation must do more to support those who have served us so bravely.
Yauncey Long found that the best way to cope with his PTSD was through medication and assistance from a service dog named C4.
Despite getting C4 from an organization which helps wounded warriors get needed service dogs, his employer would not let him bring the canine to work with him.
Cincinnati Bell, the Midwest telecom company where Long was employed, told him that if he continued to bring the dog to work he would be fired.
Even after applying for reasonable accommodations, they refused to give him an adequate answer or provide any further information on what he could do differently.
Long explained that C4 helped him function normally again and even go grocery shopping independently for the first time since returning from deployment – something he hadn’t been able to do for a long time before receiving his service animal companion.
When Fox News reached out to Cincinnati Bell about this situation they were told that no information had been provided regarding Long’s condition or its “effect on his ability to perform his job” – something which Long denies providing them with necessary documentation for numerous times already.
He believes it is possible that all paperwork has been ignored due to lack of knowledge on how best handle it within their organization but regardless of this fact remains unsure why he continues receive pushback when trying reach out management seeking help.
Veterans have a hard enough time transitioning back into civilian life after serving their country – especially when they return disabled due physical injuries sustained during battle.
As citizens we need ensure these heroes are given respect , understanding , safety net , and resources they require make successful transition back home again.
